Colonialism, gender and mental health in psychology: a view from Eastern Cuba

Abstract

The present paper invites a critical reflection, from a decolonial perspective, on the importance of considering gender in the approach to mental health problems. From a methodological point of view, this critical position includes consideration of the hermeneutic condition of the intersection between gender, race and other social historical determinants. It also explores the development and the incorporation of a gender perspective as an expression of decolonial thought, in approaches to mental health in the Cuban context. The paper draws on the critique of colonial thought in relation to psychology and gender. It analyses the history and the development of these ideas from the academic experience developed in the East of Cuba, a place on the periphery, a context that is distant and distinct from Havana, which is often seen as the main scientific centre and point of reference. As such, this paper includes a critique of colonial power with respect to the geographical location of the profession of psychology. In this way, it contributes to the central objective of promoting awareness of decolonial thinking, with an emphasis principally on gender and as a way to favour the professional development of clinical psychology in all of Cuba.

Keywords:

• Colonialism
• Cuba
• gender
• mental health
• psychology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 These ideas are the appreciation of the authors during conversations with members of the organisation.

2 This information was obtained during interviews with Maite Perez Millet and Iliana Alea both were founders of Equity group and both have Post graduate in Gender studies.

3 Research by the authors in Holguin province, where the authors live and work, showed that more than 90% of the clinical psychology workforce are women.