Critical psychology in Norway: A brief review commenting on why critical psychology is currently virtually absent.

Abstract

In this review article we will present a brief historical outline of critical psychology in Norway. Some reasons why Norwegian critical psychology is currently virtually absent will be given. Finally, a review of critical voices that can nevertheless be heard will be presented. First, however, we will briefly outline what is implied by critical psychology in this review as the word ‘critical’ is being used in a variety of different ways. In academic contexts ‘critical’ is definitely a word of honor. Nobody wants to be characterized as uncritical, naïve, non reflected, or whatever the opposite (antonym) of critical is taken to be. Naturally, it is not this common sense meaning of the word ‘critical’ we have in mind when we review critical psychology in Norway. Frankly, we have met several critical psychologists who are naïve indeed. (Not to speak about all the mainstream psychologists we have met who are naïve in their belief in the neutrality of science.) Annual review of critical psychology 5: Critical Psychology in a Changing World (Contributions from different geo-political regions) Pages 167-173. http://www.discourseunit.com/annual-review/