Homo Psyche: On Queer Theory and Erotophobia

Homo Psyche examines the psychological foundations of queer theory and argues that it is erotophobic due to its conservative and narrow model of erotic life. It introduces metapsychology as a new dimension of analysis to challenge the fields conceptual impasses and politico-ethical limitations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Winner of the 2022 Alan Bray Memorial Book Award and a Lammy Finalist in LGBTQ Studies, this book delves into an intriguing observation: queer theory, despite its political activism, rhetorical prowess, and intellectual dynamism, adheres to a psychologically conservative and narrow model of erotic life. Despite decades of vibrant queer critical thought, the field has yet to fully comprehend that sexuality's radical potential lies in its recognition as "exogenous, intersubjective, and intrusive" (Laplanche). In particular, despite recent calls to deconstruct the ideological underpinnings of contemporary queer thought, no study has explored or examined the unique role of psychology in shaping the field's conceptual impasses and politico-ethical limitations.

Homo Psyche seeks to rectify this by introducing metapsychology as a novel dimension of analysis in relation to the theories of French psychoanalyst Jean Laplanche, who advocated for "new foundations for psychoanalysis" that departed significantly from existing Freudian and Lacanian models of the mind. By staging this intervention, Astor deepens ongoing debates about the future of queer studies by demonstrating how the field's systematic neglect of metapsychology as a necessary and independent realm of ideology ultimately perpetuates the complicity of queer studies with psychological conventions that are fundamentally erotophobic and thus antithetical to queer theory's radical and ethical project.

In Chapter 1, "Queer Theory and the Psychology of Desire," Astor explores the psychological roots of queer theory's erotophobia. He argues that queer theory's reliance on psychoanalytic frameworks, which prioritize the repression and sublimation of sexual desire, contributes to its erotophobic tendencies. Astor highlights the ways in which queer theory often perpetuates heteronormative ideals and reinforces the notion that sexual desire is inherently harmful and deviant. He also critiques the field's tendency to pathologize non-normative sexual desires and experiences, further perpetuating erotophobia.

Chapter 2, "The Politics of Erotophobia in Queer Theory," delves into the political implications of queer theory's erotophobia. Astor argues that the field's erotophobia hinders its ability to challenge dominant ideologies and power structures. He points out that queer theory's obsession with deconstructing and challenging heteronormative norms often leads to a neglect of the political and social implications of sexuality. Astor also critiques the field's tendency to prioritize individual liberation over collective social change, which can reinforce erotophobic attitudes and practices.

Chapter 3, "Metapsychology and the Future of Queer Studies," introduces metapsychology as a tool for queer theory's emancipation from erotophobia. Astor argues that metapsychology provides a framework for understanding the intersubjective and relational aspects of sexuality that are often overlooked by psychoanalytic models. He highlights the ways in which metapsychology can help queer theory challenge heteronormative ideals and promote greater inclusivity and diversity. Astor also discusses the potential of metapsychology to address the field's politico-ethical limitations, such as its tendency to prioritize individual autonomy over collective well-being.

In conclusion, Homo Psyche offers a critical examination of queer theory's erotophobia and its implications for the field. By introducing metapsychology as a new dimension of analysis, Astor demonstrates how queer theory can break free from its psychological constraints and embrace a more radical and ethical project. The book challenges readers to consider the ways in which psychology shapes the field's conceptual impasses and politico-ethical limitations and encourages them to explore alternative frameworks that prioritize the intersubjective and relational aspects of sexuality.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823294169