Psychoanalysis and Solidarity

This special issue of "Psychoanalytic Studies" explores psychoanalysis as a political project that offers liberation and cure, despite the repressive external conditions that cannot be changed. Contributors construct, critique, historicize, and reimagine psychoanalysis as grounds for universal solidarity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

Freud's earliest hysterical analysands expressed a common concern about psychoanalysis: despite their individual struggles being influenced by social circumstances, Freud believed he could not alter these conditions in any significant way. If psychic illness is closely linked to repressive external factors that the psychoanalyst cannot modify, how can a method primarily focused on the individual's inner life provide liberation, let alone a cure? Driven by the hysterics' yearning for a better life and Freud's dedication to intersubjectivity, contributors to this special issue explore psychoanalysis as a political endeavor that creates a space for collective action. This exploration spans from the analyst's couch to the picket line, from the practice of guerrilla psychoanalysis in revolutionary Algeria and Argentina to clinical treatment for the symptomatology of exile and homelessness. The contributors engage in the construction, critique, historicization, and reimagining of psychoanalysis as a foundation for universal solidarity.

Gila Ashtor, a scholar of psychoanalysis, argues that psychoanalysis can be seen as a political project that fosters collective action. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the political dimensions of psychoanalysis and its potential to address social injustices. Ashtor draws on historical examples to illustrate how psychoanalysis has been used to challenge oppressive systems and promote social change. For instance, she discusses the work of Frantz Fanon, a philosopher and psychiatrist who incorporated psychoanalysis into his analysis of colonialism and the struggle for liberation in Africa.

Ronjaunee Chatterjee, another contributor, explores the relationship between psychoanalysis and political activism. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a framework for understanding the psychological mechanisms that underpin political oppression and resistance. Chatterjee highlights the role of psychoanalysis in the feminist movement, particularly in the work of feminist psychoanalysts such as Julia Kristeva and Luce Irigaray. By analyzing the experiences of women and their struggles for equality, psychoanalysis has helped to shed light on the systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequality.

Alex Colston, a historian of psychoanalysis, examines the historical roots of psychoanalysis in the context of political and social movements. He argues that psychoanalysis emerged as a response to the challenges posed by modernity, particularly the rise of capitalism and the industrial revolution. Colston explores how psychoanalysis was used by intellectuals and artists to critique the dominant ideologies of their time and to advocate for social change. For example, he discusses the work of Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche, who used psychoanalysis to critique the values of capitalist society and to promote alternative visions of human nature and social organization.

Rachel Greenspan, a clinical psychologist, explores the use of psychoanalysis in the treatment of trauma and displacement. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a unique perspective on the experiences of individuals who have been subjected to violence and trauma. By analyzing the underlying psychological mechanisms that contribute to trauma, psychoanalysis can help individuals to heal and to develop coping strategies for managing their symptoms. Greenspan provides examples of how psychoanalysis has been used to treat individuals who have experienced war, genocide, and other forms of violence.

Anna Kornbluh, a philosopher of psychoanalysis, examines the ethical implications of psychoanalysis. She argues that psychoanalysis can be used to promote individual well-being and social justice, but it also carries risks and ethical dilemmas. Kornbluh discusses the importance of maintaining a therapeutic relationship that is based on trust, respect, and empathy, and she highlights the need for psychoanalysts to be aware of their own biases and power dynamics. She also discusses the ethical challenges posed by the use of psychoanalysis in contexts such as interrogation and torture.

Todd McGowan, a psychoanalyst, explores the relationship between psychoanalysis and political ideology. He argues that psychoanalysis can provide a framework for understanding the psychological mechanisms that underpin political beliefs and behaviors. McGowan highlights the role of psychoanalysis in the development of fascism and other forms of authoritarianism. By analyzing the psychological motivations of political leaders and their followers, psychoanalysis can help to shed light on the mechanisms that drive political violence and oppression.

Tracy McNulty, a feminist psychoanalyst, examines the relationship between psychoanalysis and gender inequality. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a unique perspective on the experiences of women and their struggles for equality. By analyzing the psychological mechanisms that contribute to gender inequality, psychoanalysis can help to promote gender equity and to challenge patriarchal norms and stereotypes. McNulty provides examples of how psychoanalysis has been used to treat women who have experienced trauma, abuse, and discrimination.

Ankhi Mukherjee, a scholar of psychoanalysis and political theory, explores the relationship between psychoanalysis and the politics of identity. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a framework for understanding the complex processes of identity formation and the ways in which identity is shaped by social and political forces. Mukherjee highlights the role of psychoanalysis in the development of queer and trans identities, and she discusses the ways in which psychoanalysis can help to promote LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.

Fernanda Negrete, a psychoanalyst and activist, explores the use of psychoanalysis in the treatment of exile and homelessness. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a unique perspective on the experiences of individuals who have been displaced from their homes and communities. By analyzing the underlying psychological mechanisms that contribute to exile and homelessness, psychoanalysis can help individuals to heal and to develop coping strategies for managing their symptoms. Negrete provides examples of how psychoanalysis has been used to treat individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and other forms of violence.

Michelle Rada, a philosopher of psychoanalysis, examines the relationship between psychoanalysis and the politics of power. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a framework for understanding the psychological mechanisms that underpin power relations and the ways in which power is exercised and resisted. Rada highlights the role of psychoanalysis in the development of feminist and socialist ideologies, and she discusses the ways in which psychoanalysis can help to promote social equality and justice.

Samo Tomšič, a psychoanalyst and political theorist, explores the relationship between psychoanalysis and the politics of culture. He argues that psychoanalysis can provide a framework for understanding the psychological mechanisms that underpin cultural norms and values, and the ways in which culture is shaped by social and political forces. Tomšič highlights the role of psychoanalysis in the development of postmodernism and other forms of cultural critique, and he discusses the ways in which psychoanalysis can help to promote cultural diversity and social inclusivity.

Hannah Zeavin, a clinical psychologist, explores the use of psychoanalysis in the treatment of addiction. She argues that psychoanalysis can provide a unique perspective on the experiences of individuals who struggle with addiction. By analyzing the underlying psychological mechanisms that contribute to addiction, psychoanalysis can help individuals to develop coping strategies for managing their symptoms and to break free from the cycle of addiction. Zeavin provides examples of how psychoanalysis has been used to treat individuals who struggle with alcohol, drugs, and other forms of addiction.

In conclusion, the contributors to this special issue of Psychoanalysis and Politics demonstrate the rich and diverse ways in which psychoanalysis can be understood and applied to promote social justice and universal solidarity. By exploring the political dimensions of psychoanalysis, the contributors highlight the potential of psychoanalysis to address the challenges posed by modernity, capitalism, and other forms of oppression. They demonstrate how psychoanalysis can be used to promote individual well-being, heal trauma, and develop coping strategies for managing symptoms. They also show how psychoanalysis can be used to promote gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, social equality, and cultural diversity. Finally, they demonstrate how psychoanalysis can be used to treat addiction and to break free from the cycle of addiction.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 197 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478019701