There are deep historical connections between psychoanalytic theory and the critical social theory of the Frankfurt School which has drawn on psychoanalysis to enrich Marxist social theory, and to address the conundrums of failed revolutions: the problem of “false consciousness;” the substrate of sadomasochism immanent in obedience to authority; the always labile and often violent identifications constitutive of group psychology. These questions are as relevant now as ever, with psychoanalysts well-positioned to contribute clinical insights to an array of seemingly insoluble problems.

Professor Allen begins by considering why critical social theory needs psychoanalytic theory and which psychoanalytic theory might best meet those needs. She argues that recent critical theory has erred in giving up the notion of the aggressive drive, a mistake that might be corrected through a reconsideration of the work of Melanie Klein. Dr. Allen argues that for Klein, unlike Freud, drives are fundamentally relational, which makes Klein a better fit with critical theory which seeks to emphasize and illuminate the element of irrational forces in political and historical phenomena.

Learning Objectives
1. To clarify the relationship between psychoanalytic theory and critical social theory.
2. To consider the importance of drive theory – in particular, the theory of aggression – for critical social theory.
3. To assess the importance of the work of Melanie Klein for the project of critical social theory.

References:
1. Freud,. S. Civilization and Its Discontents
2. Melanie Klein, Envy and Gratitude
3. Whitebook, Joel. “Mutual Recognition and the Work of the Negative” in James Bohman and Bill Rehg (eds), Pluralism and the Pragmatic Turn: Essays in Honor of Thomas McCarthy (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2001).

Continuing Education: Physicians: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians and takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity. The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 hours in category 1 credit towards the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. Disclosure information is on record indicating that participating faculty members have no significant financial relationships to disclose. Psychologists The Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education.