Suchergebnisse

Reviews and discusses 4 books which occupy distinct positions within the domain of psychoanalysis and social theory.

A review essay on Richard Lichtman's The Production of Desire: The Integration of Psychoanalysis into Marxist Theory (New York, 1982 [see listing in IRPS No. 30]). It is argued that the widespread belief that Karl Marx's theory of history must be supplemented by the insights of Sigmund Freud rests on a number of dubious assumptions. (1) The assumption that Marx does not have a social psychology is based on a reading that ascribes to him a vulgar form of economic determinism; rather, Marx made considerable contributions to social psychology. (2) It is often assumed by the theorists of the Second & Third International that Central Europe was ripe for socialist revolution in 1917; however, there is little evidence in the writings of Marx & Friedrich Engels that this belief is associated with any scientific criteria for the ripeness of capitalism. If economic determinism is rejected, & the question of when the world is ripe for revolution left unanswered, then Marx can be seen as outlining some important elements of social psychology. Freud's thought then does not serve as an addition to Marx, but as a fuller development of Marx's ideas. Modified AA

Explores the controversy surrounding the opening of the exhibition, Freud: Conflict and Culture, at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, within the larger context of the current status of Sigmund Freud & psychoanalysis in US culture. Challenges raised to psychoanalysis from several fronts are examined, including (1) the feminist & lesbian/gay movements; (2) internal authoritarianism & insularity; (3) antipositivist trends; & (4) bureaucratic insistence on efficiency, effectiveness, & profitability. Psychoanalysis's focus on the "project of autonomy" is described, highlighting the theories of the late Cornelius Castoriadis. Ways in which the field might overcome its current crisis of legitimacy are suggested. K. Hyatt Stewart

THIS ARTICLE IS AN ARGUEMENT AGAINST JULIET MITCHELL'S BOOK "PSYCHOANALYSIS AND FEMINISM". THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT MITCHELL MISUNDERSTANDS THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF FREUD'S VIEW OF FEMINIST PSYCHOLOGY, AND CONTESTS IN PARTICULAR HER CONTENTION THAT THIS VIEW IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO CAPITALIST AND PRE-CAPITALIST SOCIETIES. HE EMPHASIZES THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF FREUD'S ACCOUNT OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT.