27th October 20
This Monday the Psychology Academic Society commemorated Black History Month. We started with an excellent presentation from Jess in Year 12 who discussed various issues starting with some scary stats when she looked at black representation in Psychology. She said there is ‘an alarming difference in who is accepted into the D Psych, which is now the minimum requirement to become a chartered psychologist: only 2 percent of applicants of BAME origin are accepted as compared to a 13 percent national average.
She looked at some psychologists who have, despite the odds, managed to qualify such as Kenneth Clark who conducted the ‘doll study’ in which even young black children chose the white doll and also attributed more positive characteristics to the white doll. This was the case even though they identified with the black doll, thus concluding they had already experienced racism and discrimination. You can see other psychologists she discussed on her poster which is displayed on the second floor.
Jan then led a group discussion on stereotypes and discrimination as well as racism. Students agreed that BHM is important to create awareness of racism and other forms of intolerance.
Jan Winnick – Subject Leader Psychology