Question

Freud's influence on Western society has extended beyond the clinical realm. Can you think of ways that his theory has affected literature, movies, child- rearing, philosophy, and education? pp. 56-62

Short answer

Freud's theory has greatly influenced Literature and Movies through character and plot development, Child-rearing by emphasizing the importance of early experiences, Philosophy by enriching understanding of human psyche, and Education by promoting learner-centered education.

Step-by-step solution

Freud's influence on Literature and Movies

Freud's theories, particularly those related to unconscious desires and ego psychology, have greatly influenced literature and movies. Characters' development, plot progression, and thematic elements often reflect Freudian concepts. For example, the depiction of subconscious desires in Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' or the exploration of ego, superego, and id in the film 'Fight Club'.

Freud's influence on Child-rearing

Freud's psychosexual theory of development has revolutionized child-rearing methods. His emphasis on the importance of early experiences in shaping a child’s personality has led to the practice of responsive and sensitive parenting. For instance, respecting a child's feelings and emphasizing nurturing behavior.

Freud's influence on Philosophy and Education

In philosophy, Freudian theory, especially the concepts of the unconscious and defense mechanisms, have led to a better understanding of human psyche. Existential and phenomenology fields of philosophy have been particularly influenced. In education, understanding of child development stages and their emotional and cognitive needs, influenced by Freud's theory, underscore the importance of learner-centered education.

Key concepts

Unconscious Desires in Literature

Sigmund Freud's concept of the unconscious mind—that repository of feelings, thoughts, and desires beyond our conscious awareness—has left an indelible mark on literature. Writers integrate Freudian theory to give depth to their characters and plot, crafting narratives that tap into the reader’s own unconscious.

For instance, literary works often portray characters wrestling with desires that they themselves don't fully understand, reflecting Freud's idea that the unconscious influences behavior. Gothic novels, like Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', explore hidden sexual desires and fears. Shakespeare’s Hamlet deals with the protagonist’s internal conflict, a reflection of his unconscious mind.

Moreover, Freudian symbolism, such as water representing birth or tunnels signifying hidden psychological pathways, has become a common tool for authors to subtly communicate unconscious drives. This dimension of characterization makes the stories resonate on a much deeper psychological level with the audience.

Psychosexual Theory in Child-rearing

Freud's psychosexual theory posits that a child's development is a series of stages centered around erogenous zones. Successful navigation of these stages is crucial for a healthy adult personality. While some contemporary perspectives challenge the specifics of Freud’s stages, his emphasis on the early years of life has influenced modern parenting.

In child-rearing, this has led to a heightened consideration for nurturing methods that promote healthy psychological development. Responsive parenting, where caretakers keenly observe and attend to a child's needs, reflects Freud's insight into the importance of early life experiences.

For example, being attentive to a child during the 'oral stage' can result in trust and optimism, as per Freud's theory. Such theory-driven practices, perhaps in a more abstract form, guide parents to act with greater understanding of potential long-term psychological impacts.

Freud's Psychological Theories in Movies

The influence of Freud's theories in cinema is widely observed, with filmmakers often depicting complex psychological dramas and character motivations. Just like literature, movies utilize Freud's concepts of the unconscious, id, ego, and superego to create narratives that reflect the inner conflicts of characters.

'Fight Club', for instance, portrays the protagonist's struggle with identity and aggressive urges—a cinematic illustration of Freud's notion of the id. Hitchcock's 'Psycho' delves into themes of repressed sexuality and the Oedipus complex. The duality between the conscious self and the hidden desires often serves as the dramatic pivot in psychological thrillers and dramas, tapping into the audience's fascination with the inner workings of the human psyche.

Ego Psychology Impacts

Ego psychology, an offshoot of Freudian theory, emphasizes the role of the ego in development and behavior. This framework suggests that healthy functioning involves effectively managing the demands of both the id and the superego. The influence of ego psychology extends to various domains, including educational approaches and psychotherapy.

In education, this has translated to a focus on supporting the development of the child’s autonomous self, helping them navigate between personal desires and societal norms. For example, strategies that encourage problem-solving and decision-making foster the ego’s ability to mediate amongst the different aspects of the psyche.

Understanding and nurturing the ego's role in the classroom environment inspires activities that promote a balanced sense of self in students, helping them to become well-adjusted self-regulated learners.