The Blind in School and Society, A Psychological Study
- Author:
Ihomas D. Cutsiorth, Ph.D. New York and London: D. Appleton and Company, 1933.
More and more thinking people are realizing that the goal of education is not merely the acquisition of academic knowledge, but that it is primarily a growth in power of mind and body to make one’s life count for the most for himself and others.
Are educators recognizing the need for more practical methods of teaching the blind, emphasizing the psychological approach? Are the blind trained to make the most of tlieir potentialities within their limitations instead of being forced to live in a world of unreality because they are being goaded on to attain goals set for seeing people? Is it possible for the schools to prepare the blind to take their places in society, in a way most acceptable to them as well as to society?
These questions, as well as others dealing with the emotional and social conflicts of the blind, are raised by Dr Cutsforth in ‘’ The Blind in School and Society.” Beginning with a psychological study of the pre-school blind child, the author emphasizes the difference between the organization and growth of a seeing child and a blind child, and shows how the personality of the latter is influenced by his training and environment.
Having gained a clear understanding of the psychological and emotional need of the blind through careful research and case studies, Dr Cutsforth ably discusses the shortcomings of the present treatment of the blind in school and society. On the basis of these findings he offers constructive criticism and practical suggestions for remedying the evils outlined.
The simple, direct, and lucid style of the book makes it particularly adaptable for the general public as well as the student of psychology. The layman is further aided by a very helpful glossary of the psychological terms. Especially appealing to the thinking person, or one interested or responsible in teaching or guiding the blind, is the set of pertinent questions covering every chapter.
Although not an exhaustive study, this book sums up the conflicts, problems and desires of the blind in a clear, concise manner, and stimulates further interest in the study of the blind and their needs. B. Cecelia Shhukler, M.D.
Disclaimer
The historical material in this project falls into one of three categories for clearances and permissions:
Material currently under copyright, made available with a Creative Commons license chosen by the publisher.
Material that is in the public domain
Material identified by the Welcome Trust as an Orphan Work, made available with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
While we are in the process of adding metadata to the articles, please check the article at its original source for specific copyrights.