[Psychoanalysis and the "Kinderladen" movement. A view on four projects]

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Critical Theory
• Psychoanalysis

Context:

• The 1960s student movement embraced Critical Theory and psychoanalytically influenced social criticism.
• Student organizations like SDS and Argument-Club disseminated these ideas.
• This led to practical applications in anti-authoritarian education, often by self-taught psychoanalysts.

Purpose:

• To analyze the four-year alliance between psychoanalysis and the student movement.
• To evaluate the impact and legacy of this collaboration.
• To consider the future potential of psychoanalytic influence in social and educational reform.

Summary:

• Psychoanalytically informed social criticism and anti-authoritarian educational experiments emerged from the 1960s student movement.
• Conservative backlash from psychoanalysts, politicians, and educators condemned these approaches, citing dangers to the state.
• The emancipatory educational reforms faced significant pressure and ultimately faltered.

Impact:

• Public and media reactions were intense, labeling educational practices as "wild analysis" and "pedagogic experiments."
• Conservative opposition led to the suppression of emancipatory educational reforms.
• The study suggests a need to assess the historical alliance and its potential future relevance.