Why Lacan is Critical for Psychology : Comments from the Standpoint of Critical Psychology and Lacanian Psychoanalysis(<Special Issue>Social Practice and Psychology)

Abstract

This paper reviews key features of 'critical psychology' concerning the power psychological knowledge has over other forms of explanation in contemporary culture, and shows their relevance to contributions by Burman, Muramoto and Yatsuzuka. The role of psychoanalysis in relation to qualitative research in psychology historically and currently is emphasised in the course of this commentary. I focus on the way that concepts from Lacanian psychoanalysis - in particular, Lacan's account of 'Symbolic', 'Imaginary' and 'Real' domains of human experience - can enrich a critical psychological account.