Ordinary and Presumptive Trauma offers a sociopolitical account of trauma grounded in the lived experiences of oppressed and socially disadvantaged peoples. In doing so, this book seeks to articulate a theory of trauma that generates space for the recognition of historical and ongoing political violence, the collective healing of harmed people, and the bridging of psychological theories with social justice scholarship and activist traditions.

Ordinary and Presumptive Trauma is uniquely situated at the crossroads of two worlds that often struggle to co-exist, but that have the potential to grow significantly in conversation with one another. Accordingly, this book provides a multi-faceted approach that appeals to a wide readership in multiple disciplines, such as psychology, women’s and gender studies, ethnic studies, queer studies, and more.