Perversion: Psychoanalytic Perspectives/Perspectives on Psychoanalysis - Softcover

Downing, Lisa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1855759179 ISBN 13: 9781855759176

Publisher: Routledge, 2006

Synopsis

Perversion--its ubiquity in infantile life and its persistence in the psychical and sexual lives of some adults--was a central element of Freud's lifelong empirical and theoretical work. Many psychoanalytic schools and orientations have since revisited the problem of perversion. Some authors have sharpened the definition of perversion by differentiating it from perverse fantasies, so-called near-perversions, and perverse traits, whereas others have sought to re-conceptualize perversion as an erotic form of hatred, a fixated anal object-relation, or a neo-sexuality. The result is that Freud's original view of perversion has been replaced by a large variety of, often contradictory, psychoanalytic perspectives on its etiology, development, and treatment.This bi-partite collection of essays offers a series of perspectives on perversion by a range of psychoanalytic practitioners and theorists, and a selection of papers by scholars from related fields who work with, or critique, psychoanalytic theories on perversion. These unique and invaluable contributions to the study of psychoanalysis, perversion, and culture stage a serious dialogue between the discipline of psychoanalysis and its critics and commentators on the controversial issue of non-normative sexuality. It is essential reading for students and practitioners of psychoanalysis, for cultural critics, and for anyone who wants to know more about the positions occupied by psychoanalysis in contemporary debates about sexuality.

About this title

Review

'Downing and Nobus not only provide an essential, up-to-the-minute survey of a very difficult topic, but place a two-way mirror between the theory of psychoanalysis and the "perversions" themselves: excessive systemic rigidity can be a feature of both worlds. The essays collected here contribute decisively to the large-scale revaluation of psychoanalytic thinking that is currently under way, and will help a wide general readership towards a new understanding of the sexual imperative in human affairs.' - Professor Malcolm Bowie, Christ's College, Cambridge'Lisa Downing and Dany Nobus have marshalled a broad range of high-quality scholars and psychoanalytic practitioners to address a concept that, in academic discourse at least, is extremely difficult to use. The tabloid press know what they think a pervert is, but outside that populist discourse the definition and deployment of the term are fraught with problems. This collection views perversion as at once product of and challenge to psychoanalytic orthodoxies, and will provoke much debate within the academy and outside.'- Keith Reader, Professor of Modern French Studies, Glasgow University'Perversion is a complex and challenging subject close to my heart. Here it is treated with wisdom, clarity and openness by professionals from many disciplines. This is an important and provocative book.' - Dr Estela V. Welldon MD DSc (Hon) FRC PSYCH, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy, Tavistock & Portman NHS Clinics'In recent years, "perversion" has become a dirty word in popular discourse, particularly in view of increasingly liberal attitudes towards sexual difference. Happily, the editors of this book have succeeded in assembling a glittering cast of clinical and cultural commentators who illuminate the complexities of perversion without becoming entrapped in either stereotypes or so-called "received wisdom". We owe Lisa Downing and Dany Nobus a debt of gratitude for this often provocative and invariably intelligent contribution to the debate.' - Brett Kahr, Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Psychotherapy and Mental Health, Centre for Child Mental Health, London; Visiting Clinician and Lecturer, Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, London

About the Author

Dany Nobus is Professor of Psychoanalytic Psychology at Brunel University London, where he directs the MA Programme in Psychoanalysis and Contemporary Society. In addition, he is the Chair of the Freud Museum London, and the author of numerous books and papers on the history, theory and practice of psychoanalysis.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1855759179
• ISBN 13: 9781855759176
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368