ABSTRACT

 Chapter 4:  Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, Colombia, Chile,
 Venezuela, and Brazil: A common foundation

Maritza Montero and Nelson Varas Diaz

A brief history of the development of Community Psychology (CP) and of its academic evolution in Latin America is presented, highlighting its roots in Paulo Freire’s Adult Education Model, Critical Sociology, and Social Psychology.  Its main theoretical influences and addressed topics are discussed, showing how CP embraced a line of research and action engaged with social change for Latin American countries.  This research and action perspective united theory and practice, while incorporating the people’s participation, and changing the role to be played by psychologists and incorporated new social actors.  It also incorporated specific ontological, epistemological, political and ethical considerations, expressed in its work concerning community organization, health, housing, environmental, and educational needs in both urban and rural communities.  A description is made of the emphasis placed on empowerment in order to generate conscious citizens that are able to manage and transform their living conditions, stressing the role played by participatory methods developed simultaneously.  Perspectives on the future directions of CP in Latin America are addressed.