The Off-Modern: Psychology Estranged

by Ron Roberts

A new psychology for a new society.

Genres: Psychology

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2017

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a recent Psychology graduate, I have been left very disillusioned with psychology as an area of study.

Reading this book however has helped to me gain a bit of perspective on what else is possible in the field of psychology. And has really rekindled my love for the field. I really enjoyed how the author engaged with theories and themes that were often not discussed or brushed over within the context of my psych degree. Examples of this being a critical analysis of the merits of Freudian psychoanalysis, Kelly's personal construct theory and Karl Marx's theories around alienation.

My only slight complaint would be that at times part of this book could be more concise, as some parts do become a little waffley.

I would strongly recommend this title for psychologists, psych students or anyone interested in the discipline. It really sets out a great direction for how psychology can engage in ideas bigger than the individual.

[Mitchell Chatfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps an unduly harsh response to Roberts, I found the brilliance of ‘Psychology Estranged’ percolated through non-additive musings and recollection. A particular example that comes to mind is found in both chapter three and chapter six - the former acting as what seemed to be an unduly wordy exploration of off-modernity, the latter being a detour through unhelpful Bruce Lee analogies. These two chapters, and other fragments which shared this meandering trait, I found spoilt the book. In no small part because Roberts’ other publication, ‘Psychology and Capitalism’, is so punchy. Without proposing a co-reading that is unwarranted, if Psychology and Capitalism is like Fisher’s Capitalist Realism, then Psychology Estranged is like Ghosts of My Life - however it lacks the expose of significance which GOML provides.