Marxism and the Thought of Martín-Baró as a Critique of the Hegemonic Perspective(s) within Psychology

Abstract

This article explores the possible influence of Marxism on social psychology based on the perspective of Martín-Baró. The study incorporates considerations from Wilhelm Reich, as well as reflections by Carl Ratner and Roque Laraia. The method employed is theoretical discussion, a qualitative approach supported by data collection through the reading of books and articles. The reflections are built through a dialectical engagement with a Psychology focused on the concrete and contextualized human being. Marxism provides an analytical framework for scientific practice itself, which, in the case of Psychology, must be shaped by a critical perspective aimed at liberation. The conservative and individualistic roots of Psychology are acknowledged. The study develops hypotheses such as: the cultural and social dimensions within capitalist reality deserve emphasis in Psychology due to their influence on groups and individuals; a Psychology that fails to value the cultural and historical aspects of the contextualized human being tends to produce abstract interpretations. The results indicate that Martín-Baró’s theoretical contributions stem from the Marxist legacy, which enabled him to develop a liberating Social Psychology. This Social Psychology finds its strength in the capacity to analyze historical processes and the ideological dynamics of contemporaneity that tend to capture both the scientific sphere and common sense consciousness.