In the Public Interest: Recognizing Kenneth B. Clark's Legacy

What Makes a Distinguished Black Psychologist? An Empirical Analysis of Eminence

“…Scholars mentioned in mainstream studies of notable psychologists represent certain indicators of "greatness." Nonetheless, they represent a very small subset of a larger number who may also be regarded as notable on the basis of different criteria (Guthrie, 1976;Korn et al, 1991;Tomes, 2002). Traditional reports and lists of great psychologists often overlook highly productive contemporary psychologists, focusing instead on those who are deceased (Haggbloom et al, 2002).…”

“…Other scholars have noted that the works and careers of psychologists who are not White, middle-class, and male may be marginalized further by scholars because psychologists of color, feminist psychologists, and other critical practitioners often hold different values about the purpose of psychological scholarship (Goodman, 1980;Guthrie, 1976;Tomes, 2002). Diverse cultural values underlie the criteria different groups of psychologists use to define a notable psychologist.…”

“…Diverse cultural values underlie the criteria different groups of psychologists use to define a notable psychologist. As a result of professional and social values that favor research, great teachers are rarely considered among the ranks of eminent psychologists and "eminent service" is an oxymoron among traditional scholars who study distinguished psychologists (Benjamin, 1987;Tomes, 2002).…”