Dr. Malika Pritchett, Behavior Analyst, discusses her recent and very powerful article in August 2020 for the journal, Behavioral Analysis in Practice (BAP), entitled "Social Justice is the Spirit and Aim of an Applied Science of Human Behavior. Moving from Colonial to Participatory Research Practices".
She argues that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was initially created to address socially meaningful issues we face in society, such as racism, sexism, ableism, nationalism and the like, but unfortunately, our field has drifted away from this over the years. She reminds us that behavior analysts have an ethical responsibility now more than ever before to stand up and take an active role in dismantling the current power imbalances that perpetuate abuse and exploitation of historically marginalized groups and instead lead with more collaborative and participatory practices where others are viewed as equal partners. Our responsibility is to help create the kind of radical institutional change sufficient for meaningful and lasting improvement to the human condition.
We face a current crisis in the world that requires us to exercise courage, love, and compassion. We cannot afford to remain silent.