Community Social Psychology in Brazil

Abstract

Des comptes‐rendus de deux Conférences organisées en Psychologie Sociale des Communautés, l'une à São‐Paulo en 1981 et l'autre en 1988 à Belo Horizonte, nous extrayons une revue de ce qui a été réalisé dans ce champ depuis dix ans. Au début, les buts visaient la santé mentale et l'éducation populaire sans focaliser sur le rôle des psychologues. Dans les rapports de 1988, nous observons une définition plus claire de leur travail en conseil et en dynamique des groupes, à la recherche de la prise de conscience et de l'organisation des individus dans les communautés. Une recherche participative entreprise dans une favela est présentée en détail, amenant une systématisation de la théorie et de la pratique en Psychologie Sociale des Communautés. By using the published reports of two conferences on community social psychology, one held in São Paulo in 1981 and the other in Belo Horizonte in 1988, we present an overview of the developments in the field over a 10‐year period. In 1981, emphasis was placed on mental health and popular education and not on the role of the psychologist. In 1988, however, the psychologist's role was more clearly defined: using counselling and group dynamics to reach consciousness and the organisation of communities. Participative research undertaken in a favela is reported in detail, which systematises theory and practice in community social psychology.

Return of emotion in psychosocial community research

“…This position reflects an earlier view that feeling, passion, desire, and emotion are elements that distort objective cognition and act outside of conscious awareness (Ryle, 1962 as cited in Lane & Sawaia, 1991).…”

“…Further research into how to systematize and stimulate affect in these kinds of interventions is required. Lane & Sawaia (1991) noted that by considering affective elements, we may avoid approaches to the phenomenon that limit the development of community action and psychosocial research. We agree with them.…”

“…The affective component has always been present in community processes, but it has not been studied systematically, although some (e.g., Lane & Sawaia, 1991) have explicitly recognized its importance. In fact, three basic approaches have been identified in reference to the role of affect in such processes: (a) the actual omission of affect in descriptive and theoretical explanations of community experiences [This approach seems to predominate in sociological and anthropological work (e.g., Fals Borda, 1959)]; (b) the use of concepts that involve affect, cognition, and perception (learned helplessness, commitment, felt needs, and sense of community) [This approach has contributed little to increasing our understanding of the influence of affect on community processes or its relationship with consciousness raising and action (Escovar, 1979;Fals Borda, 1978;Montero, 1994;Garcia & Giuliani, 1992)]; and (c) acknowledgment of the relevance of affect to community work and its connection to consciousness and action [This approach has not been defined nor have strategies for its use in community efforts been identified (Lane & Sawaia, 1991)].…”

“…According to Lane and Sawaia (1991), emotion serves as a fundamental mediator of the consciousness-raising process:…”

Paradigms of community social psychology in six Latin American nations

“…In summary, community social psychology in Brazil searches for the liberation of science and the emancipation of persons (Lane & Sawaia, 1991a). Awareness and activity are confronted and are overcome through reflection.…”