Ignacio Martín-Baró
Ignacio Martín-Baró (November 7, 1942 – November 16, 1989) was a scholar, social psychologist, philosopher and Jesuit priest who was born in Valladolid, Spain, and died in San Salvador, El Salvador. He was one of the victims of the 1989 murders of Jesuits in El Salvador.
Ignacio Martín-Baró, a Spanish-Salvadoran Jesuit priest and social psychologist, is widely recognized as the founder of liberation psychology. This approach to psychology emphasizes understanding the psychological impact of oppression and social injustice, particularly within marginalized communities. Martín-Baró’s work, heavily influenced by the realities of the Salvadoran civil war, advocated for a psychology that actively works to dismantle oppressive structures and promote social change.
Key aspects of liberation psychology, as developed by Martín-Baró, include:
Challenging mainstream psychology:
Martín-Baró critiqued Western psychology’s tendency to pathologize individuals experiencing oppression and its focus on individualistic solutions, rather than addressing systemic issues.
Prioritizing the experiences of the oppressed:
Liberation psychology centers the perspectives and needs of marginalized communities, recognizing their unique experiences with oppression and trauma.
Emphasizing social and political context:
It recognizes that individual well-being is deeply intertwined with social and political structures, and that psychological healing requires addressing these broader contexts.
Promoting collective action and social change:
Liberation psychology advocates for psychologists to be active agents of change, working alongside communities to challenge oppressive systems and promote social justice.
Focusing on historical and cultural factors:
It emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals within their specific cultural and historical contexts, recognizing how these factors shape their experiences.
Utilizing methodological eclecticism:
Liberation psychology draws on various theoretical and methodological approaches, including critical theory, feminist perspectives, and decolonial thought, to develop a nuanced understanding of oppression.
The concept of conscientização (critical consciousness):
Inspired by Paulo Freire, Martín-Baró emphasized the importance of developing critical awareness among individuals and communities, enabling them to understand the root causes of their oppression and to take collective action.
Martín-Baró’s legacy extends beyond academic circles:
He was murdered in 1989 by the Salvadoran Army, along with five other Jesuits and two women, while working at the Central American University in San Salvador.
His death highlighted the dangers faced by those who challenge oppressive systems and the importance of continuing his work.
Liberation psychology continues to be relevant today, inspiring practitioners and researchers to address social injustice and promote collective healing.