The Psychology of Liberty: Reclaiming Everyday Freedom, by Barbara A. Kerr

This book introduces a new concept of liberty, based on the idea that being free means being the humans we evolved to be in our first 200,000 years. With perspectives from psychology, anthropology, and sociology, the author shows how throughout history, dominant individuals and status hierarchies have injured our psychological and physical well-being. Readers discover simple behaviours that make humans feel free (like gossiping, playing, making, and storytelling) and are prompted to reflect on threats to this freedom.

The Psychology of Liberty explores the dynamics of creative families, communities, and societies, showing how they sustain human freedom. The author identifies new pathways to freedom, drawing from examples of resistance to authoritarianism. In this timely and ambitious book, she combines personal narrative with academic research to make complex ideas accessible.

Author Barbara A. Kerr (2025)
Format Paperback
Pages 187 pages