The Dark History of Psychological Manipulation and Hegemonic Control

Psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, has a complex history that extends beyond its scientific pursuits. Beneath its seemingly noble objectives lies a dark side — the use of psychology as a tool for hegemonic control. This article explores historical examples, including Drapetomania during slavery and the use of lobotomies for women resisting oppressive patriarchal abuse, to shed light on how psychological principles have been leveraged to isolate and punish dissenting modes of thought.

Drapetomania and Slavery:

During the era of slavery in the United States, a pseudoscientific diagnosis called Drapetomania emerged. Drapetomania purported to be a mental disorder characterized by an enslaved person’s desire to escape bondage. This so-called disorder was used to pathologize and control the natural human instinct for freedom. By framing resistance as a mental illness, slaveowners sought to justify the brutal suppression of dissent and maintain control over their enslaved workforce.

Lobotomies as a Tool of Patriarchal Control:

In the mid-20th century, lobotomies became a disturbing tool of patriarchal control. Women who resisted oppressive patriarchal norms or were deemed difficult were subjected to lobotomies — a surgical procedure that involved…