The language of community psychology : South African Terminology
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Date
2002
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Abstract
This study is about language in psychology. As its central theme, it [study] advocates the cen-trality of language in psychology in general and particularly in community psychology.
The study seeks to demonstrate that language is not only a tool for social construction of reality and social communication, but also a powerful influence on human behaviour in a social context. It is argued that psychology has glibly taken the influence of community psychological language on social behaviour for granted, and as such, there is not enough investigation in this area.
Drawing from a broad base of research data findings, it is proposed that community socio¬political dynamics and psycho-social experiences, such as racial segregation / integration, politi¬cal strife, peace and reconciliation for instance, are appropriated, shaped and expressed, among other, through and in a community psychological language in context. In other words, it is pro¬posed that there is reciprocity of co-construction and co-influence between community psycho¬logical language and human social behaviour.
If the theory of community psychological influence of language on human social behaviour is valid, the dialectical tensions of co-influence may therefore be a high leverage potential that could be tapped by community psychologists to unleash desired community change, conciliation and reconstruction, which is desperately needed in the country. This could be a great boon for applied community psychology.
The present study maintains that the psychological and sociological interface process between language and human behaviour in a social context is a research area that has a great potential for the theoretical and practical development of community psychology practice.
It is hoped that this thesis will stimulate further academic debate and research.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Community Psychology) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2002.
Keywords
Community psychology language