Abstract

GONZALEZ-SUAREZ, Mirta. Political psychology for democracy, human rights and academic development: sharing Costa Rica’s experience. Rev. psicol. polít. [online]. 2009, vol.9, n.18, pp. 237-257. ISSN 2175-1390.

Psychology, a profession related to decision-making within power structures, is immersed in politics. This paper refers to the political/academic experiences of the Psychology department at the University of Costa Rica. The sociohistorical events, university´s regulations and the career goals are basic for the construction of activities to promote democracy and human rights. The Social Psychology of Liberation provides an ethical background, which implies the commitment with those groups that are more vulnerable and exploited. It also fosters the development of a critical view towards a worldwide psychology that often denies political and cultural differences. The synergy formed by the joint work among the academy, grassroots organizations and the government lead to public policies based on solidarity and the distribution of wealth for human rights, mental health and a sustainable environment.

Keywords : Political psychology; Human rights; Academic development; Mental health; Liberation social psychology.

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )