A Review of Ally, Activist, Advocate: Addressing Role Complexities for the Multiculturally Competent Psychologist
Public Significance
The following is a review of an article published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, in 2018 by Michelle L Melton. The purpose of the article was to emphasize psychologists’ responsibility to promote human welfare against the damaging effects of individual, institutional, and societal racism, prejudice, and all forms of oppression based on stereotyping and discrimination (Melton, 2018). Melton presented definitions and purposes of ally, activist, and advocate and provided guidelines for helping professionals to fulfill these roles.
Appropriateness
Melton begins the article by outlying the appropriateness of psychologists fulfilling the roles of ally, activist, and advocate. Citing the 2003 American Psychological Association’s guidelines Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice and Organizational Change for Psychologists, Melton argues the multiculturally competent psychologist should provide leadership as agents of prosocial change, advocacy, and social justice (APA, 2003). Melton is quick to inform readers that the subject of psychologists in this arena is neither new nor without cause for discussion. One example provided is G. Stanley Hall, the first president of the American Psychological Association who in 1905 justified the withholding of civil rights from African Americans on the grounds that their sexual impulses arrested their development from adolescence throughout life (Hall, 1905). Melton presents this an example of a hindrance to pro-social change as the result of a psychologist’s involvement. However, the next example provided is the testimonies of Drs. Clark and Clark from Brown V Board of Education in several school desegregation cases (Crouse, 2002). Drs. Clark and Clark’s testimony was based on their research on the effects of segregation on identity development in school-age children which had tremendous impact on the positive changes that followed. While in the past, as Melton points at, there has been problems that arose, it is ultimately concluded in this article that it is appropriate and necessary for helping professionals to act as ally, activist, and advocate.
Defined Terms.
Melton provides concise explanations for the terms ally, activist and advocate. An ally is one on the upside of the social climate who actively uses their privilege or influence to support and empower those on the downside. Furthermore, an ally is an individual who is aware of their own social privilege and influence and how those without it are unfairly at a disadvantage. And it is equally important that the ally be active and outspoken about their support as a silent inactive sympathizer is not a true ally.
Melton describes a definition of activism as the promotion of human welfare. This includes engaging in public affairs, public demonstrations, and incorporating services such as psychology for public good. Some important cautions are provided against a perspective rooted solely in critique of oppression and missing the crucial element of social justice as it runs the risk of being reactionary and unproductive. Also, activism must be more than agitation or else it will be too unpopular and opposed to gain momentum and promote positive lasting change.
Finally, advocacy is described by Melton as an action a mental health professional, counselor, or psychologist takes in assisting clients and client groups to achieve therapy goals through participating in clients’ environments. This makes advocacy unique from allyship and activism in that it is a practice more professionally sanctioned for psychologists.
Guidelines.
Guideline 1: Deliberate Self- Reflection. As it is crucial for helping professionals to continually grow in their multicultural competency, Melton recommends that psychologists have a plan for regular self-reflection to minimize their own bias and develop cultural humility using practices that lead to the understanding of the effects of the diverse cultural influences on their own beliefs, thinking, behavior, and worldview.
Guideline 2: Choose Strategic Activities. With a fleshed out understanding of the necessity and meaning of ally, activist, and advocate, Melton suggests that the practical psychologist need not focus on these separately so that they detract from one another but that they select activities and trainings which integrate all three.
Guideline 3: Hold Self and Colleagues Accountable. The third guideline relates to professional networks of support and accountability. Melton posits that helping professionals who are intentional about pursuing these three vital roles will engage in professional relationships which will challenge them and keep them in line with their vision.
Guideline 4: Have a Plan. Finally, Melton recognizes the burdensome nature of being a helping professional who is ally, activist, and advocate. To counter the effects of fatigue and emotional strain Melton recommends intentional and proactive efforts for self-care such as mindfulness, professional boundaries, and communal support.
Reflections
The article effectively and compellingly outlines the appropriate place for counselors in the arena of social change and progress of human welfare. As psychology plays a significant role in the scientific knowledge of human welfare and social interactions the perspectives outlined by this field have the potential to decrease racism at the institutional level. The potential of the helping profession on an individual basis can and should by very nature improve life. In essence, Melton has captured in a scholarly call to arms the sense of conviction and drive that the modern helping profession experiences at the core of their practice. It is the responsibility and the privilege of the professionals in this field to improve conditions of life for those on the downside, the marginalized, and institutionally unimportant. This article was well thought out presented rounded conceptions such as allyship requiring activity as many of those on the upside of society identify as allies yet remain silent and complicit to oppression. But also the importance of prioritizing social justice as much of modern media and language critiques oppression but does little in the way of constructive change. In addition, Melton gave practical guidelines that each helping professional can embrace and implement such as self-care. A considerable depth of consideration makes this piece a beneficial read for all those who would be ally, activist, or advocate for others.
Beck 2018
References
American Psychological Association (2003). Guidelines on Multi- Cultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, And Organizational Change For Psychologists. American Psychologist, 58, 377–402.
Crouse, Ellen; Benjamin, Ludy, The American Psychological Association’s Response to Brown v. Board of Education The Case of Kenneth B. Clark, American Psychologist, 2002, p. 38-50
Hall, G. S. (1905), As cited in Melton 2018
Melton (2018). Ally, Activist, Advocate: Addressing Role Complexities for the Multiculturally Competent Psychologist. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, American Psychological Association, Vol. 49, No. 1, 83–89