Surplus Powerlessness: Psychodynamics of Everyday Life...and the Psychology of Individual and Social Tranformation - Softcover

Lerner, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0391037064 ISBN 13: 9780391037069

Publisher: Humanities Press International Inc.,U.S., 1979

Synopsis

This book argues that people make themselves more powerless than they need to be, and that this attitude...undermines one's personal effectiveness in both love and work and negates one's willingness to pursue any large-scale visions of political or social change.

About this title

Synopsis

Starting with a phenomenologically sophisticated account of the psychodynamics of everyday life, Dr Lerner explores the subjective experience of work, personal life and childhood, and shows how they together contribute to our perceptions of ourselves as alone and powerless. He explores the psychological appeal of conservative movements, analyzes how progressives often seem to seek isolation and defeat, and develops a psychological strategy that could be used by Democrats, labour, the peace and women's movements and others committed to democratic social change. The book constitutes a guide to self-understanding, a programme for politics and a contribution to social theory.

About the Author

Michael Lerner is an American political activist, the editor of Tikkun, a progressive Jewish interfaith magazine based in Berkeley, California, and the rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in Berkeley. He is the author of many books, including Surplus Powerlessness, Jews and Blacks (with Cornell West), The Politics of Meaning, Spirit Matters, Embracing Israel/Palestine, and The Left Hand of God.

Edition details

• Publisher: Humanities Press International Inc.,U.S.
• Publication date: 1979
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0391037064
• ISBN 13: 9780391037069
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 424