Abstract
This paper is written from the perspective of a Dalit counselling psychologist and aims to provide an understanding of the exclusion of Dalit perspective in the theoretical as well as therapeutic domains of psychology as a discipline. It aims to elaborate on the impact of caste on the internalised-self of psychologist as well as their client and how it influences the whole process of learning as well as practice. It identifies the gaps in this field and suggests a revision and reformulation of its course and training programmes so that the closed doors can be opened for all. Further it addresses the various dyads of relationships in therapeutic alliance that can be possibly influenced by caste-based oppression in social life. The paper is highly concerned with the unaffordable and inaccessible nature of clinical settings and the persistent ignorance of the mental health concerns of Dalits. In this paper significant issues like the sense of disconnect, lack of dialogical spaces, and dehumanised processes have been explored in detail. Expressing the hope that there will be a possibility of revisiting and reformulation of theoretical orientations and philosophical frameworks, the paper calls for adequate attention towards the Dalit perspective in counselling psychology to envision egalitarianism in reality.
Highlights
IntroductionCASTE: A Global Journal on Social Exclusion Vol 2, No 1 psychologists in India are yet to seriously engage with caste, and most importantly, yet to reflect on the influence of caste on the theoretical frameworks and practices within the discipline
In the world of academic discourse, the persistence of caste as lived experience has been studied significantly from sociological and political perspectives (Guru, 2012; Ilaiah, 2002; Geetha, 2012; Rege, 2003)
This work offers a critique of the cultural hierarchies’ dominant in academic structures, its adverse impact on the production of reflective knowledge and addressed the need for building a category of experience of ‘being’ Dalit to do the theory. He further addressed the significance of egalitarian principle in reconstructing social sciences observing that it basically interrogates the hierarchical division that suggests that some are born with theoretical spoon in their mouth and a vast majority with empirical pot around their neck . . . third the egalitarian principle would interrogate the epistemological imperialism that empowers non-Dalits or tribals to launch intellectual expeditions to conquer new epistemological territories that belongs to the Dalits or Adivasis intellectual universe (Ibid, p. 11)
Summary
CASTE: A Global Journal on Social Exclusion Vol 2, No 1 psychologists in India are yet to seriously engage with caste, and most importantly, yet to reflect on the influence of caste on the theoretical frameworks and practices within the discipline. This work offers a critique of the cultural hierarchies’ dominant in academic structures, its adverse impact on the production of reflective knowledge and addressed the need for building a category of experience of ‘being’ Dalit to do the theory. He further addressed the significance of egalitarian principle in reconstructing social sciences observing that it basically interrogates the hierarchical division that suggests that some are born with theoretical spoon in their mouth and a vast majority with empirical pot around their neck . Given the exclusive nature of the theories and therapeutic processes in psychology, the author attempts to provide a comprehensive account of her journey as a Dalit counselling psychologist drawing upon her experiences in the theory as well as therapeutic processes in practice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
