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Mindfulness meditation has become one of the most popular psychological techniques for those seeking improved happiness and wellbeing. Its use has developed beyond mental health settings and it is becoming a widespread practice in the wider public sphere. While mindfulness appears to have gained much acceptance within psychology, it has received strikingly little critical attention. Mindfulness is considered from a critical psychology perspective, by contextualising its popularity as a product of advanced capitalist society. Using a Foucauldian perspective, it is argued that mindfulness reinforces neoliberal ideology by promoting the concept of the responsible, autonomous, choosing individual who dedicates themselves to a lifelong project of self-improvement and self-discipline. It is hoped that this theoretical critique will encourage psychologists and psychotherapists to reflect upon the political implications of their activities when selecting mindfulness as a technique for improving happiness and wellbeing.

Featuring the work of several new, up-and-coming scholars working to deepen theoretical perspectives on addiction and its relationship to social control and deviance, this volume fills a gap in addiction studies by offering critical perspectives that interrogate and challenge traditional and/or mainstream understandings of addiction

This book provides a definitive overview of contemporary developments in our understanding of urban life in China. Multidisciplinary perspectives outline the most significant critical, theoretical, methodological and empirical developments in our appreciation of Chinese cities in the context of an increasingly globalized world. Each chapter includes reviews and appraisals of past and current theoretical development and embarks on innovative theoretical directions relating to Marxist, feminist, post-structural, post-colonial and 'more-than-representational' thinking. The book provides an in-depth insight into urban change and considers in what ways theoretical engagement with Chinese cities contributes to our understanding of 'global urbanism'. Chapters explorehow new critical perspectives on economic, political, social, spatial, emotional, embodied and affective practices add value to our understanding of urban life in, and beyond, China.

Security Studies: Critical Perspectives introduces the analysis of security from critical and interdisciplinary perspectives. Taking a student-centred approach to understanding contemporary security themes and cases, it provides an accessible set of analytic steps so that students develop the critical thinking skills and confidence to ask important questions about security and our worlds in contemporary politics. Common-sense security assumptions that reproduce forms of oppression and domination are revealed and their justifications decentred while perspectives inclusive of class, gender and sexualities, ethnicity and race, religion, disability, culture and ideology, political belonging, and the global south are introduced. In doing so, the authors combine critical analysis with concrete empirical issues that connect students to the social and political worlds around them.

In recent years, the role of global institutions such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank has never been more important to the lives of individuals throughout the world. This edited book provides critical perspectives on the role of these institutions and how they use their policies, procedures and practices to manage global political, socio-economic, legal and environmental affairs. In contrast to previously published books on this subject, Global Governance is organized thematically rather than by institution. Each chapter

This book provides an introduction to political psychology through a focus on European politics and topics. It describes a style of doing political psychology in Europe that has developed out of dialogue with as well as critique of North American approaches. By emphasising the theoretical and methodological diversity of political psychology, the book is intended to contribute to a greater understanding of the strength and utility of the field. Opens up and extends the study of political psychology to a variety of socio-political contexts and manifestations of political behaviour Clearly outlines the usefulness and promises of distinctive critical approaches in social and political psychology Explicitly considers the role of language, communication, identity and social representations in the construction of political meanings. Political Psychology will appeal to upper-level students and scholars who seek to extend their knowledge of the complex relationship between psychology, politics and society

This book offers a wide-ranging and critical examination of recent counter-radicalisation policies, using case studies from several countries. Counter-radicalisation policies, such as the UK 'Prevent' strategy, have been highly controversial and increasingly criticised since their introduction. In this edited volume, voices from disciplines including sociology, political science, criminology and International Relations are brought together to address issues across the global roll-out of counter-radicalisation agendas. In so doing, the book critically interrogates: (i) the connections between co.

As the United States becomes more politically divided, the issue of gerrymandering is at the forefront of political debate. While gerrymandering, or manipulating distinct boundaries for political advantages, has largely negative connotations, few experts agree about the best way to redraw districts. In this collection, legal experts, politicians, experts, and ordinary citizens weigh in on this controversial and timely topic. Guided reading questions are included at the end of each article to direct readers to form their own opinions based on what they have read.