Abstract
M.A.
The aim of the study is to explore the relevance of
psychology i.e. its historical perspective. To be specific,
to explore the initial views of time (modernism) and what
have been the shifts in psychology (postmodernism). What is
important to note is that there is inter-relatedness in the
way that these concepts play out in psychology. One can't
look at one concept and negate the others; one for instance
can't talk of social constructionism and not relate it to
postmodernism and to how postmodernism evolved
In any study that utilizes a postmodern stance the researcher
becomes part of what is observed due to the similarities that
the researcher has with the participants. For the purpose of
this study the issues to be discussed in this chapter,
include the history of South African psychology, cultural
implications and structures in the training programs as well
as the practice of psychotherapy in black communities. This
makes it almost impossible for the researcher not to be a
participant in what is being studied.