The Psychosis of Race: A Lacanian Approach to Racism and Racialization

1. The Psychosis of Race delves into race, racism, and racialization through Lacanian theory, 2. Black expands the philosophical understanding of Lacan's psychosis to intersect psychology and the human subject, 3. The volume offers a interdisciplinary approach with applied examples from politics, philosophy, and popular culture/media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Psychosis of Race delves into a comprehensive analysis of race, racism, and racialization, employing Lacanian theory as its framework. This groundbreaking work extends the philosophical understanding of Lacan's account of psychosis, forging vital intersections in the study of psychology and the human subject. By offering a uniquely interdisciplinary approach, the volume incorporates applied examples from politics, philosophy, and popular culture/media, enriching its insights and relevance.

Race, racism, and racialization are complex and multifaceted phenomena that have deeply impacted societies throughout history. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding these issues from a psychoanalytic perspective, particularly through the lens of Lacanian theory. The Psychosis of Race is a seminal work in this field, offering a comprehensive analysis of these topics through the prism of Lacanian theory.

The book begins by exploring the concept of race and its historical construction. It argues that race is not a natural or biological category, but rather a social and cultural construct that is perpetuated by power structures and ideologies. The author then delves into the concept of racism, which is defined as the belief that one race is superior to another. Racism, the book argues, is not merely a matter of individual beliefs or attitudes, but rather a systemic and institutional phenomenon that is embedded in social structures and institutions.

The next chapter explores the concept of racialization, which refers to the process by which individuals are categorized and labeled based on their race. Racialization, the book argues, is not a neutral or objective process, but rather a political and ideological tool that is used to maintain power and control over marginalized communities. The author then examines the role of the unconscious in the perpetuation of race, racism, and racialization. According to Lacanian theory, the unconscious is a reservoir of primal desires and fears that are often repressed and denied. However, these unconscious desires and fears can manifest in various ways, including through the formation of stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory behaviors.

The book also explores the relationship between race, racism, and psychosis. The author argues that psychosis is not a distinct medical condition, but rather a symptom of a broader social and cultural phenomenon. Psychosis, the book argues, is a form of disconnection from reality, where individuals lose touch with their sense of self and others. The author then examines the ways in which psychosis can manifest in individuals who are marginalized by race, racism, and racialization. For example, the book discusses the case of a Black woman who experiences psychosis as a result of her experiences of racism and discrimination. The author argues that this woman's psychosis is not a separate medical condition, but rather a symptom of the broader social and cultural phenomenon of racism.

The Psychosis of Race is a groundbreaking work that offers a unique and interdisciplinary approach to understanding race, racism, and racialization. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including scholars, students, and activists. The volume includes applied examples from politics, philosophy, and popular culture/media, enriching its insights and relevance.

In conclusion, The Psychosis of Race is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of race, racism, and racialization. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of these topics through the prism of Lacanian theory, providing a new and innovative perspective on these issues. By incorporating applied examples from a range of disciplines, the book demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of its approach and its potential to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about race, racism, and social justice.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032538976