Activism, Advocacy, and Social Justice in Feminist Multicultural Counseling Psychology

Abstract

The fields of feminist, multicultural, and counseling psychology have historical roots in activism, advocacy, and social justice. Most of the existing literature exploring the intersections of these three fields of psychology has focused at the micro-level. In this chapter we (a) define and elaborate on the concepts of social justice, activism, and advocacy, particularly focusing on the meso and macro levels within feminist multicultural counseling psychology; (b) discuss the various contexts in which social justice work is taking place; (c) weave together the existing literature with interview data to illustrate the multifaceted work of feminist multicultural counseling psychologists involved in activism, advocacy, and social justice activities at these larger systemic levels; and (d) make recommendations for future directions in feminist-social justice counseling psychology.

A critical feminist phenomenological study of social justice identity among professional psychologists and trainees from a feminist multicultural practicum.

“…Purposeful site selection headed Patton’s (1990) recommendation to seek in-depth, rich cases. The practicum site is the only known feminist multicultural, social justice-oriented practicum in student affairs in a U.S. university that has been extensively studied and published on (Hoover & Morrow, 2016; Morrow & Hawxhurst, 2012; Morrow et al, 2006; Norsworthy et al, 2012). Feminist multiculturalism has extensive ties to social justice (Crethar et al, 2008; Goodman et al, 2004), and the specific site philosophy and training has been documented elsewhere (Hoover & Morrow, 2016; Morrow et al, 2006).…”

“…The current study employed qualitative methods to explore the meaning of social justice identity to professional psychologists and trainees. In addition, the study privileged the rich herstory of social justice and feminist multiculturalism in psychology (Crethar, Rivera, & Nash, 2008; Goodman et al, 2004; Morrow, Hawxhurst, Montes de Vegas, Abousleman, & Castañeda, 2006; Norsworthy et al, 2012) by sampling from professionals who were past trainees at a feminist multicultural and social justice-oriented practicum. The question guiding this research was, How do feminist multicultural-trained professional psychologists and trainees describe the meaning of their social justice identity?…”

“…They integrate social justice into their clinical work, research, and beyond (Beer et al, 2012). Ultimately, social justice permeates their lives (Norsworthy, Abrams, & Lindlau, 2012).…”

Black Lives Matter: A Call to Action for Counseling Psychology Leaders

“…Although counseling psychology training programs have begun to explicitly incorporate social justice advocacy in their training models, there is still a need for training that includes a specific focus on racial justice and Black liberation, given the continued anti-Black racism and violence in this country. Providing education that will equip counseling psychologists to eradicate anti-Black racism is a goal aligned with values of the discipline (Goodman et al, 2015; Norsworthy, Abrams, & Lindlau, 2013; Singh et al, 2010; Vera & Speight, 2003; Watts, 2004), yet limited resources and training models are available to guide professionals in this endeavor. Singh et al (2010) have argued that counseling psychology programs lack sufficient guidelines and accountability measures related to social justice education and training in general.…”

Linking Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice Through Advocacy

“…Promoting social justice is the value, and advocacy is the work we do to live out that value. Even with this shared value, moving from awareness to action can be a challenge for counselors (Goodman et al, 2004;Lee & Rodgers, 2009;Lee et al, 2013;Lewis, Toporek, & Ratts, 2010;McWhirter, 1997;Morrow et al, 2006;Norsworthy, Abrams, & Lindlau, 2012;Roysicar, 2009;Speight & Vera, 2004;Sumner, 2013). A review of the literature reveals that counselors are in need of skills and training in advocacy, as well as institutional supports (e.g., support from supervisors and employers) to be able to advocate more effectively (Arthur, Collins, Marshall, & McMahon, 2013;Glosoff & Durham, 2010;Lee et al, 2013).…”