Report from the conference “The Role of Psychology in Social and Political Discourse”
Report from the conference “The Role of Psychology in Social and Political Discourse”
On March 26 and 27, the conference “The Role of Psychology in Social and Political Discourses” took place at the Psychologischen Hochschule Berlin, with nearly 100 participants in attendance. Anna-Lena Zietlow and Robert Ritter from our working group attended the conference.
Over the course of the two days, a total of five panels discussed the role psychology currently plays in politics and society, the role it should play in the future, and how it can position itself accordingly. A wide range of topics relevant to psychology were discussed—science communication, teaching and training, the freedom and independence of science, the principle of neutrality and professional standards, as well as the implications for psychology and the professional community as a whole.
During the panel on psychology education and training, Robert delivered a keynote address outlining the situation and perspectives of students. In his talk, he called for a restructuring of the curriculum to incorporate political education and political psychology, a streamlining of the curriculum as a whole, and the strengthening of practical skills—including those applicable to students’ personal lives. Nevertheless, the threats to psychology—and in particular to committee work and student self-governance—were also made clear. Therefore, Robert’s appeal was directed specifically toward cross-status-group engagement to promote democracy at the university and beyond, as well as toward collective solidarity for the right cause. Further aspects, particularly regarding the restructuring of curricula and the strengthening of student body diversity, were discussed in the subsequent panel discussion with Dr. Stefanie Hechler, Prof. Dr. Andreas Beelmann, and Dr. Pia Lamberty.
The conference demonstrated that the time has now come to move from discussion to action. Academia and society are already under attack by anti-democratic forces. Therefore, the conference also issued a clear commitment to intensify efforts to promote democracy. As a result, a corresponding call to action was drafted, which can be viewed and signed here (Link: https://tally.so/r/kdW61Z) eingesehen und mitgezeichnet werden kann.
We would like to thank the team led by Rainer Banse, Andreas Beelmann, Stefanie Hechler, Peter Noack, Tobias Rothmund, Uli Wagner, and Eva Walther for organizing this wonderful and important conference, as well as all the participants for the stimulating discussions!
Text: Robert Ritter
Photos: Anna-Lena Zietlow / Robert Ritter
