Beyond the Modernist Project: A Decolonial Turn in the History of Psychology.

Abstract

In this article, the authors argue for a decolonial history of psychology that will assist in the creation of psychologies (and their histories) that are true to place and time. We briefly place contemporary history of psychology as being of service to hegemonic psychology, which has continued to enforce a coloniality of being, knowing, and doing. We outline some of its limitations in regard to individualism, neoliberalism, and the ideologies of the market. In contrast, we articulate a way to begin to reconceptualize a psychology and its history that may serve to honor and respect multiple ways of knowing and being. We offer examples of emergent approaches that are being created that are non-dualistic, non-WEIRD, and focused on lived experiences in particular places and settings. The authors are mindful of the limitations of offering superabundant examples of each point due to the length constraints that accompanied the invitation to submit this manuscript. We encourage interested readers to explore the references for additional nuances and examples of the main points.