Suchergebnisse

There have been calls for psychologists to develop greater awareness in relation to the cultural, ethical, and political utility of theoretical and empirical development. At present, it is particularly important to deliberate critically the meaning of academic knowledge in psychology in the context of the debate surrounding neoliberalism. Specifically, what do our questions, findings, and knowledge mean when we interrogate them from particular social, ethical, and moral perspectives surrounding neoliberalism? To this end, this paper examines recent frontiers of knowledge production in attachment theory that suggest features of attachment insecurity might be seen as strengths when considered in relation to particular outcomes. Issues discussed include: (a) what is considered a strength in a neoliberal society, (b) neoliberal governmentality and the role of psychological research, and (c) the emergence of a critical voice in relation to attachment research.

This paper uses an autoethnography to recount my experiences with SportHelp, a UK youth sports charity. Using a layered account format, which jumps through time and space, I demonstrate the extent to which neoliberal values have influenced the continuity and change of SportHelp. This paper does not constitute an attack on the charity, its staff, nor the charity sector. The focus is on how the wider neoliberal context shapes how SportHelp operates. The findings are analysed in terms of Foucault's (2008, The birth of biopolitics. Lectures at the Collége de France, 1978–79. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan) notion of governmentality by examining SportHelp's monitoring and reporting practices, as well as the managers' use of New Public Management discourse. The conclusion reflects on the extent to which neoliberal governmentality, though in some instances beneficial for SportHelp, ultimately does more harm than good. This paper, by offering an 'insider's view', adds to the literature calling for a change in how policy makers and funders shape the current hypercompetitive socio-political landscape. Charities should be supported, not discouraged, to develop holistic programmes that move beyond 'economic rationales' and are capable of addressing the multifaceted needs of their service users.