Macropsychology: Definition, Scope, and Conceptualization

This chapter first traces some important components of psychological thought in what are recognized as major political theories. This review is not meant to be at all comprehensive, but rather illustrative of the thread of psychological thought that has spun – sometimes more obviously than at other times – through history. Acknowledging that psychology is culturally encapsulated (MacLachlan, 2006), and that our aim here is to promote a broader view particularly for “Western psychology,” we consider the evolution of psychological thought particularly in “Western” political philosophy, essentially asking “is this not psychology?”. Second, we consider some more modern contributions to the shape or conceptualization of a macro perspective in psychology. Third, we highlight some more current frustrations and initiatives that have pushed forward the need for a macropsychology. Fourth, we describe our conceptualization, and anticipation of, a macropsychology. Finally, in this chapter, we review the varied and vibrant contributions to this volume.