Dialectics of Psychosexual Development

• In Event: Critical Theory, Race, and Literature

Abstract

This paper explores the political ramifications of stunted psychosexual development within both the subjective individual realm as well as the broader societal realm. Disruptions in early emotional and sexual growth demonstrate later impact on political behaviors, social cohesion, and ultimately governance. While psychosexual development has been traditionally analyzed within psychology, its influence on broader societal and political structures remains underexplored. Drawing on critical theory, this study investigates how political systems and hegemonic ideologies, notably that of neoliberal economic thought, not only stunt, but deter proper growth through psychosexual development. These neoliberal logics keep individuals locked within what Freud saw as the “oral” stage of development, that is the stage in which the subject is transfixed on consumption alone. Without proper ability to maneuver through the remaining stages of development both the individual and society is repressed. This relationship is best viewed as a dialectic in which each successful development is built upon a synthesis of all prior steps. Examination of arguments on libidinal energy from Marcuse and Foucalt are given attention to exemplify the importance that psychosexual development plays in creating and reinforcing political institutions and structures.

Author

• Zachary R Thomas, Bergen Community College