Object Relations and Social Relations

This book has two essential aims. First, to introduce some of the key assumptions behind relational psychoanalysis to an international audience and to outline the points where this approach counters, complements, or extends existing object relations (Kleinian and Independent) traditions. Second, to consider some of the implications of the relational turn for the application of psychoanalytic concepts and methods beyond the consulting room.The emergence of what has become known as "the relational turn" in psychoanalysis has interesting implications not just for clinical practice, but for other psychoanalytically informed practices, such as group relations, the human service professions, and social research. Relational forms of psychoanalysis have emerged primarily in the USA, and as a result their core concepts and methods are less well-known in other countries, including the UK. Moreover, even within the USA, few attempts have so far been made to consider the wider implications of this development for social and political theory; intervention in groups and organizations, and the practice of social research. As with all new developments, there is a tendency to deal with them in one of two ways: either to insist that there is nothing new about them and that existing practices already include their implied critique, or to sharpen and exaggerate the difference, thereby construing the new arrival as something that is a counter, rather than an extension and complement, to what already exists.

Simon Clarke is Professor of Psycho-Social Studies and Director of the Centre for Psycho-Social Studies at the University of the West of England. He is the author of 'Social Theory, Psychoanalysis and Racism', 'From Enlightenment to Risk: Social Theory and Contemporary Society' and 'Emotion, Politics and Society' (co-edited with Hoggett and Thompson). He is a member of the board of directors of the Association for the Psychoanalysis of Culture and Society and Editor of 'Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society' Paul Hoggett is Professor of Politics and Director of the Centre for Psycho-Social Studies at the University of the West of England. He is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, a member of the Severnside Institute for Psychotherapy, Associate Member of the Lincoln and is also an experienced group relations consultant. His books include 'Partisans in an Uncertain World' and 'Emotional Life and the Politics of Welfare'. He is a board member of the Association for Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society, and has editorial roles on 'Organisational & Social Dynamics', 'Psychodynamic Practice' and 'Psychoanalysis Culture and Society'