RACE RELATIONS IN THE TEACHING OF PSYCHOLOGY: AN EXPERIENCE OF AWARENESS RAISING

Abstract

The text reports the contributions of specific disciplines with issues related to race relations in formation in Psychology, for a professional performance that contemplates racial diversity and psychological distress, fruits of racism in our society. The aim was to sensitize students of Psychology to the discussion about race relations and approaches to the field. We sought to provide a critical analysis of prejudices and stereotypes present in the practice of professionals of Psychology. The activities were conducted in the classroom and, alongside, over six years in a Study Group on Racism. The methods used were guided readings, book reviews, presentation of seminars, film discussions, classroom lectures, visits to museums, exhibitions, participation in conferences and other events in Salvador-Bahia. The discussions contemplated matters relating to the black movement, the process of making black consciousness, understanding race relations and human rights. In this sense, it has served as a space for reports of situations experienced by participants. There was privileged interface of Social Psychology with Anthropology and partnerships in the development of the Study Group; they have included bibliographical references of Psychology and of other sciences, the presence of guests with various formations, aiming to deepen concepts and identify subsidies to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in professional practice. As a result, there was the production of Course Completion Assignments with issues related to the thematic and three Scientific Initiation researches of specific career choices and effective participation of former students in the Working Group of Psychology and Race Relations of the Commission of Human Rights of the CRP-03. It is observed that there are ongoing outstanding contributions to Psychology as well as greater involvement and commitment of professionals with the theme of local and national importance.