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Why the self is empty. Toward a historically situated psychology
1California School of Professional Psychology, Berkeley.
The American Psychologist
|May 1, 1990
Summary
The "empty self" of modern society is filled by consumerism and celebrity culture, a phenomenon exacerbated by advertising and psychotherapy. This lifestyle solution, while addressing symptoms, creates new problems and risks exploitation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- The article examines the evolution of the self, contrasting the Victorian era's sexually restricted self with the post-World War II "empty self."
- The empty self is characterized by a need to be "filled" with external elements like consumer goods and celebrities.
- Historical, economic, and political factors contributing to the empty self are explored.