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Psychoanalysis, Nazism and 'Jewish science'.
1Centre for Psychosocial Studies, School of Psychology, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK. s.frosh@bbk.ac.uk
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|November 25, 2003
Summary
This study examines the decline of psychoanalysis in Nazi Germany, highlighting its
Area of Science:
- Psychohistory
- History of Science
- German History
Background:
- Examines the complex history of psychoanalysis in Germany during the Nazi era.
- Focuses on the impact of psychoanalysis's 'Jewish origins' on its institutional survival and practice.
Observation:
- Details the rapid decline of pre-Nazi psychoanalytic institutions.
- Analyzes the policy of appeasement and collaboration adopted by some psychoanalysts.
- Investigates the continuation of psychoanalytic practices within the 'Göring Institute'.
Findings:
- Reveals the denigration of psychoanalysis's 'Jewish origins' by the Nazi regime.
- Documents the antisemitism displayed by some non-Jewish psychoanalysts.
- Highlights the internal antagonism towards psychoanalysis perceived as a 'Jewish science'.
Implications:
- Contributes to understanding the persecution of intellectual movements under totalitarian regimes.
- Informs discussions on the intersection of science, politics, and identity.
- Provides insights into the ethical challenges faced by intellectuals during periods of political upheaval.