Four (African) psychologies

Abstract

In “What is African psychology the psychology of?,” Augustine Nwoye asks a question that continues to trouble those with an interest in psychology in relation to African societies. This question, in various semblances, is not entirely new. And, to be sure, it is far from unique to Africa but instead tends to worry many socially conscious psychologists in countries in the global South. The effort Nwoye makes toward advancing African psychology warrants an extended response. In broad terms, I agree with the argument to advance an African psychology. However, there are differences between how we conceive of African psychology. Thus, this article asserts that the growth of Africa(n)-centred psychology is hindered by the view that it is singular and static instead of composed of dynamic and manifold orientations. The article presents four orientations to psychology in Africa, namely, psychology in Africa, cultural African psychology, critical African psychology, and psychological African Studies.