Late Capitalist Freud in Literary, Cultural, and Political Theory

Late Capitalist Freud investigates the historical influence of late Freudian theory on contemporary life and its relevance to twenty-first-century capitalism. It explores specific crisis points within neoliberalism, such as the rise of figures like Trump, the development of social media as a new superego force, and the economics underpinning the wellness and self-care industries. The book assesses the contribution of an historical and theoretical consideration of the late Freud to analyzing these aspects of late capital.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Late Capitalist Freud in Literary, Cultural, and Political Theory presents a compelling argument that late Freudian theory has exerted a significant historical impact on the shape of contemporary life and holds a pivotal role in constructing the framework of twenty-first-century capitalism. In this comprehensive exploration, the book delves into the ongoing realities of living in the Freudian century, focusing on specific crisis points within neoliberalism. These crisis points include the rise of figures like Trump, the emergence of social media as a powerful superego force, the economic foundations of the wellness and self-care industries, as well as the contemporary consumption of popular culture. By examining these critical junctures, the book aims to sustain the enduring historical significance of Freudian thought across its various dimensions.
Drawing upon psychoanalytic theory, literary theory, cultural studies, and political theory, this book assesses the valuable contribution that an historical and theoretical exploration of the late Freud can make to analyzing certain aspects of late capitalism. Through a rigorous analysis, it sheds light on the ways in which late Freudian concepts and frameworks can provide valuable insights into the complexities of contemporary society, challenging traditional understandings and offering new perspectives on the dynamics of power, desire, and identity.

The book's exploration of late Freudian theory is organized into three distinct chapters. The first chapter provides an introduction to the historical context of late Freudian thought and its relevance to contemporary society. It explores the influence of Freud's later works on the development of psychoanalysis, as well as the broader cultural and political implications of his ideas. The second chapter focuses on the crisis points within neoliberalism that have shaped the contemporary landscape. It examines how these crisis points, such as the rise of authoritarianism, the commodification of social life, and the erosion of democratic values, resonate with late Freudian themes of power, desire, and the unconscious. The third chapter explores the ways in which late Freudian theory can be used to analyze these crisis points. It examines the role of the superego in shaping individual and collective behavior, the influence of social media on the formation of identity, and the economic implications of the wellness and self-care industries.

Throughout the book, the author employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on a wide range of scholarly sources and theoretical frameworks. The text is well-researched, engaging, and accessible, making it suitable for both academic scholars and interested readers alike. Late Capitalist Freud in Literary, Cultural, and Political Theory offers a valuable contribution to the field of contemporary theory, providing a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex relationship between psychoanalysis, capitalism, and the shaping of modern life.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030471965
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020