Premium
The spirit and substance of community psychology: Reflections
Author(s) -
Gregory Robert J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.1030
Subject(s) - community psychology , empowerment , perspective (graphical) , field (mathematics) , the renaissance , sociology , environmental ethics , social change , psychology , social psychology , public relations , social science , criminology , political science , law , art , philosophy , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science , pure mathematics , art history
Community psychology began with a spirit of participation, social change, and excitement in the mid‐1960s. However, the substance of community psychology, whether measured by impacts on prevention, empowerment, social inclusion, or otherwise, appears to be minimal in comparison with the needs evident today and the needs emerging. From the perspective of members of the discipline and field, a great deal of effort has already resulted in many meaningful changes. However, from the views of people at large, a new field such as community psychology has relatively little tangible effect on existing communities, societies, or civilizations. The spirit of community psychology might be present, but that may not result in the massive social changes needed in the 2000s. If community psychologists could focus their efforts, become catalysts, and act firmly and forcefully, then a revitalization and renaissance for “the people” and our collective future, could be initiated. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.