Science and Social Accountability: Issues Related to South African Developmental Psychology

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Abstract
In the light of similar publications by Dawes (1985) and Biesheuvel (1987) the issue of social accountability in local psychology is examined, with particular reference to the research and practice of developmental psychology. Discussion focuses first on the notion of scientific neutrality which, it is argued, is not an option for South African developmental psychology. Consideration is then given to the issue of whether apartheid should comprise the prime focus in debate regarding social accountability. Here, areas of common ground in the publications by Dawes and Biesheuvel are suggested, the implication being that their disagreement on the issue of social accountability might be more apparent than real. The article ends with an appeal to fellow psychologists to contribute to this important debate.