Marilyn Wedge
Marilyn Wedge: A Pioneering Psychologist and Advocate for Social Change
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marilyn Wedge is a renowned American psychologist and educator known for her groundbreaking work in the fields of psychology, philosophy, and social justice.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 27, 1942, Marilyn Wedge passed away on February 18, 2020 at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Psychologist, Educator
Marilyn Wedge was a dedicated psychologist and educator who spent most of her career teaching and researching at various institutions. Her work spanned multiple disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, and social sciences.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the United States during a time of great social change, Marilyn Wedge was exposed to the transformative power of ideas from an early age. She developed a strong interest in understanding human behavior and the complexities of society, which would later become the foundation of her academic and professional pursuits.
Major Accomplishments
Marilyn Wedge's contributions to psychology and education are multifaceted:
Advocate for Social Change: Throughout her career, Marilyn championed social justice, promoting a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and its relationship with societal structures.
Pioneering Research: Her work in the areas of psychology and philosophy challenged traditional perspectives, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and thought.
Mentorship and Education: As an educator, Marilyn was dedicated to mentoring students and colleagues alike, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and growth.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable aspects of Marilyn Wedge's work include:
Critique of Modern Psychology: In her book, "A Dialogical Critique of the Concept of Self in Modern Psychology", Marilyn challenged traditional views on human identity, highlighting their limitations and potential harm.
Advocacy for Human Rights: As a vocal advocate for social justice, Marilyn was involved in various initiatives to promote human rights and challenge oppressive systems.Impact and Legacy
Marilyn Wedge's impact extends far beyond her academic contributions. Her unwavering commitment to social change has inspired countless individuals to re-examine their own roles within society:
Raising Awareness: Through her work, Marilyn helped raise awareness about the importance of understanding human behavior in the context of societal structures.
Empowering Communities: By challenging traditional perspectives and advocating for social justice, Marilyn empowered marginalized communities and individuals to assert their rights.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marilyn Wedge's legacy is built on her unwavering dedication to social change and her unrelenting pursuit of knowledge. Her work serves as a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and the potential for individual actions to shape society:
Influence on Future Generations: Marilyn's impact can be seen in the many students, colleagues, and peers she mentored, who continue to carry forward her legacy.
* Enduring Relevance: Her work remains relevant today, offering insights into human behavior and societal structures that are as pertinent now as they were when first published.
Quotes by Marilyn Wedge
In our pharmed culture, mischievous boys like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn would not be seen as active, adventure-loving kids who skipped school now and then because they were bored in a classroom that offered them little of interest. Society today would label them "mentally disabled" and give them drugs to make them behave like "normal" children.
Our egalitarian culture has encouraged us to be friends to our children rather than authority figures, and we hesitate to say no for fear of losing that friendship.
Instead of seeing ADHD-type behaviors as part of the spectrum of normal childhood that most kids eventually grow out of, or as responses to bumps or rough patches in a child's life, we cluster these behaviors into a discrete (and chronic) "illness" or "mental health condition" with clearly defined boundaries. And we are led to believe that this "illness" is rooted in the child's genetic makeup and requires treatment with psychiatric medication.
There's no doubt that stimulant drugs work to improve attentiveness. The catch is that research has shown that stimulants help anyone focus, whether or not they have symptoms of ADHD.[...] With this in mind, I can't help but wonder whether we are actually treating a childhood mental illness with these medications or instead are allowing the drugs to transform our very image of childhood.