In a recent paper, Eric Kaufman, a professor of politics at Buckingham University, proposes that post progressivism accompanied by a meta critical stance is a way forward in the social sciences. Here at CTA, we believe that it is important to take note of new ideas and concepts arising in other disciplines which could help the therapy field break free of the current stranglehold of Critical Social Justice. For example, previous articles have examined how meta frameworks such as Integral Theory and McGilchrist’s thesis of brain hemisphere asymmetry could help to integrate a deeper more balanced understanding of the importance of societal context in clinical work. However, we also need ways of countering the rhetorical strategies that cement the ideology in place and Kaufman’s political writings are potentially helpful in this regard.
One rhetorical strategy which has been used to devastating effect is framing all critique as expressions of bigotry. The first step is getting a clearer understanding of how this strategy operates and how to counter it. Kaufman states,
“Post-progressivism argues for a critical approach to progressive social science’s ‘critical’ claims. That is, a meta-critical stance which deconstructs concepts such as systemic racism, sexism, and heteronormativity, asking questions about the motivations behind their construction and the power dynamics they give rise to.”
In the progressive episteme, power accrues to those making the accusation of ideological transgression. As Foucault warned, justice claims can serve as a mask for power. That is, anti-racists, anti-sexists, anti-homophobes and anti-transphobes gain cultural power and moral authority over those they accuse of transgressing the left-modernist value system.”
We encourage viewers to read his article where he expounds further on his ideas (illustrated with helpful diagrams). The more that practitioners understand how rhetorical strategies operate, the less likely it is that they will allow themselves to either be silenced or be put on the back foot. Naming the accusation of ‘bigotry’ explicitly as a power move is an effective first step.
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