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Freud's influence on American political science
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study surveyed political scientists to find which Freudian theories are most influential. Repression and the unconscious were identified as the most useful concepts for political analysis and teaching.
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Political Science
Background:
- Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories have been debated for their applicability beyond clinical settings.
- The influence of psychoanalytic concepts on social sciences, particularly political science, remains an area of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent to which Sigmund Freud's theories have influenced political scientists in the United States.
- To identify specific Freudian concepts found most valuable for political analysis and education.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among members of the American Political Science Association.
- The survey aimed to gauge the perceived utility of Freudian concepts in political science.
Main Results:
- Two Freudian concepts, repression and the unconscious, were reported as most useful.
- These concepts were deemed valuable for both political analysis and teaching purposes.
Conclusions:
- Repression and the unconscious have a notable influence on contemporary American political thought.
- This paper examines the historical roots and integration of these psychoanalytic constructs into political science discourse.