Difference between revisions of "Genital"
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In the [[stage]]s of [[psychosexual development]] listed by [[Freud]], the [[genital|genital stage]] is the last [[stage]] in the series, coming after the two [[genital|pregenital stages]] (the [[development|oral stage]] and the [[development|anal stage]]). | In the [[stage]]s of [[psychosexual development]] listed by [[Freud]], the [[genital|genital stage]] is the last [[stage]] in the series, coming after the two [[genital|pregenital stages]] (the [[development|oral stage]] and the [[development|anal stage]]). | ||
| − | The [[genital|genital stage]] first arises between the ages of three and five (the [[development|infantile genital organization]] or [[development|phallic phase]]) and is then interrupted by the [[latency period]], before returning at puberty (the [[genital|genital stage]] proper). | + | The [[genital|genital stage]] first arises between the ages of [[three]] and five (the [[development|infantile genital organization]] or [[development|phallic phase]]) and is then interrupted by the [[latency period]], before returning at [[puberty]] (the [[genital|genital stage]] proper). |
| − | [[Freud]] defined this [[stage]] as the final "complete organization" of the [[libido]], a synthesis of the previously anarchic "[[perversion|polymorphous perversity]]" of the [[genital|pregenital stage]]s.<ref>{{F}} "[[Works of Sigmund Freud|Splitting of the Ego in the Process of Defence]]" 1940a [1938]. [[SE]] XXIII. p. 155</ref> | + | [[Freud]] defined this [[stage]] as the final "[[complete]] organization" of the [[libido]], a [[synthesis]] of the previously anarchic "[[perversion|polymorphous perversity]]" of the [[genital|pregenital stage]]s.<ref>{{F}} "[[Works of Sigmund Freud|Splitting of the Ego in the Process of Defence]]" 1940a [1938]. [[SE]] XXIII. p. 155</ref> |
==Jacques Lacan== | ==Jacques Lacan== | ||
==Genitality== | ==Genitality== | ||
| − | Because of this, the concept of "[[genital|genitality]]" came to represent a privileged value in [[psychoanalytic theory]] after [[Freud]], coming to represent a [[stage]] of full [[development|psychosexual maturity]]. | + | Because of this, the [[concept]] of "[[genital|genitality]]" came to [[represent]] a privileged [[value]] in [[psychoanalytic theory]] after [[Freud]], coming to represent a [[stage]] of [[full]] [[development|psychosexual maturity]]. |
[[Lacan]] rejects most [[psychoanalytic theory]] concerning the [[genital]] [[stage]], [[genital]] [[love]], etc., calling it an "absurd hymn to the [[harmony]] of the [[genital]]."<ref>{{E}} p. 245</ref> | [[Lacan]] rejects most [[psychoanalytic theory]] concerning the [[genital]] [[stage]], [[genital]] [[love]], etc., calling it an "absurd hymn to the [[harmony]] of the [[genital]]."<ref>{{E}} p. 245</ref> | ||
| − | According to [[Lacan]], there is nothing [[harmonious]] about [[genital]]ity. | + | According to [[Lacan]], there is [[nothing]] [[harmonious]] [[about]] [[genital]]ity. |
==Genital Stage== | ==Genital Stage== | ||
| − | The stages of [[development|psychosexual development]] are conceived by [[Lacan]] not as [[nature|natural phases]] of [[biology|biological maturation]] but as forms of [[demand]] which are [[structure]]d [[punctuation|retroactively]].<ref>{{S8}} p. 238-46</ref> | + | The [[stages]] of [[development|psychosexual development]] are conceived by [[Lacan]] not as [[nature|natural phases]] of [[biology|biological maturation]] but as forms of [[demand]] which are [[structure]]d [[punctuation|retroactively]].<ref>{{S8}} p. 238-46</ref> |
| − | In the [[development|oral]] and [[development|anal stages]], [[desire]] is eclipsed by [[demand]], and it is only in the [[genital stage]] as a third moment which comes after the [[development|oral]] and [[development|anal stages]].<ref>{{S8}} p. 268</ref> | + | In the [[development|oral]] and [[development|anal stages]], [[desire]] is eclipsed by [[demand]], and it is only in the [[genital stage]] as a [[third]] [[moment]] which comes after the [[development|oral]] and [[development|anal stages]].<ref>{{S8}} p. 268</ref> |
| − | However, [[Lacan]]'s discussion of this [[development|stage]] focuses on what [[Freud]] referred to as the "[[genital|infantile genital organization]]" (also known as the [[phallic phase]]); a [[development|stage]] when the [[child]] knows only one sexual organ (the male one) and passes through the [[castration complex]]. | + | However, [[Lacan]]'s [[discussion]] of this [[development|stage]] focuses on what [[Freud]] referred to as the "[[genital|infantile genital organization]]" (also known as the [[phallic phase]]); a [[development|stage]] when the [[child]] [[knows]] only one [[sexual]] [[organ]] (the [[male]] one) and passes through the [[castration complex]]. |
===Castration=== | ===Castration=== | ||
Thus the [[genital|genital phase]] is only thinkable, [[Lacan]] emphasizes, insofar as it is marked by the [[sign]] of [[castration]]; "[[genital|genital realization]]" can only be achieved on condition that the [[subject]] first assumes his own [[castration]].<ref>{{S4}} p. 219</ref> | Thus the [[genital|genital phase]] is only thinkable, [[Lacan]] emphasizes, insofar as it is marked by the [[sign]] of [[castration]]; "[[genital|genital realization]]" can only be achieved on condition that the [[subject]] first assumes his own [[castration]].<ref>{{S4}} p. 219</ref> | ||
| − | Furthermore, [[Lacan]] insists that even when the [[perversion|polymorphous perverse]] [[sexuality]] of the [[genital|pregential phases]] comes under the domination of the genital organization, this does not mean that pregenital [[sexuality]] is abolished. | + | Furthermore, [[Lacan]] insists that even when the [[perversion|polymorphous perverse]] [[sexuality]] of the [[genital|pregential phases]] comes under the domination of the genital organization, this does not mean that [[pregenital]] [[sexuality]] is abolished. |
<blockquote>"The most archaic aspirations of the child are... a nucleus that is never completely resolved under some primacy of genitality."<ref>{{S7}} p.93</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>"The most archaic aspirations of the child are... a nucleus that is never completely resolved under some primacy of genitality."<ref>{{S7}} p.93</ref></blockquote> | ||
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The [[genital|genital drive]] is not listed by [[Lacan]] as one of the [[drive|partial drive]]s. | The [[genital|genital drive]] is not listed by [[Lacan]] as one of the [[drive|partial drive]]s. | ||
| − | Given that [[Lacan]] argues that every [[drive]] is a [[drive|partial drive]], his refusal to include the [[genital|genital drive]] among the [[drive|partial drive]]s is tantamount to questioning its [[existence]]. | + | Given that [[Lacan]] argues that every [[drive]] is a [[drive|partial drive]], his [[refusal]] to include the [[genital|genital drive]] among the [[drive|partial drive]]s is tantamount to questioning its [[existence]]. |
| − | In 1964, [[Lacan]] makes this explicit. | + | In 1964, [[Lacan]] makes this [[explicit]]. |
| − | He writes: "the partial drive, if it exists, is not at all articulated like the other drives.<ref>{{S11}} p. 189</ref> | + | He writes: "the [[partial]] drive, if it [[exists]], is not at all articulated like the other [[drives]].<ref>{{S11}} p. 189</ref> |
| − | Unlike the other [[drive]]s, the [[genital|genital drive]] (if it [[exist]]s) "finds its form" on the side of the [[Other]].<ref>{{S11}} p. 189</ref> | + | Unlike the other [[drive]]s, the [[genital|genital drive]] (if it [[exist]]s) "finds its [[form]]" on the side of the [[Other]].<ref>{{S11}} p. 189</ref> |
Furthermore, there is no "[[genital|genital object]]" that would correspond to a supposed [[genital drive]]. | Furthermore, there is no "[[genital|genital object]]" that would correspond to a supposed [[genital drive]]. | ||
==Genital Love== | ==Genital Love== | ||
| − | [[Lacan]] rejects Michael Balint's concept of "[[genital|genital love]]". | + | [[Lacan]] rejects Michael [[Balint]]'s concept of "[[genital|genital love]]". |
The term indicates a [[development|psychosexual maturity]] in which the two elements of sensuality and affection are completely integrated and harmonized, and in which there is thus no longer any [[ambivalence]]. | The term indicates a [[development|psychosexual maturity]] in which the two elements of sensuality and affection are completely integrated and harmonized, and in which there is thus no longer any [[ambivalence]]. | ||
| − | [[Freud]], however, never used the term, and [[Lacan]] rejects it as completely alien to [[psychoanalytic theory]]. | + | [[Freud]], however, never used the term, and [[Lacan]] rejects it as completely [[alien]] to [[psychoanalytic theory]]. |
| − | For [[Lacan]], the idea of final [[development|psychosexual maturity]] and [[progress|synthesis]] implied in the term "[[genital|genital love]]" is an [[illusion]] which completely overlooks "the barriers and snubs (''Erniedrigungen'') that are so common even in the most fulfilled love relation."<ref>{{E}} p. 245</ref> | + | For [[Lacan]], the [[idea]] of final [[development|psychosexual maturity]] and [[progress|synthesis]] implied in the term "[[genital|genital love]]" is an [[illusion]] which completely overlooks "the barriers and snubs (''Erniedrigungen'') that are so common even in the most fulfilled love relation."<ref>{{E}} p. 245</ref> |
| − | There is no such thing as a [[ambivalence|post-ambivalent]] [[object]] relation. | + | There is no such [[thing]] as a [[ambivalence|post-ambivalent]] [[object]] relation. |
===Oblativity=== | ===Oblativity=== | ||
The concept of [[genital|genital love]] is closely linked to that of "[[genital|oblativity]]", a term used by some [[psychoanalyst]]s to designate a mature form of [[love]] in which one [[loves]] the other person for what he is rather than for what he can give. | The concept of [[genital|genital love]] is closely linked to that of "[[genital|oblativity]]", a term used by some [[psychoanalyst]]s to designate a mature form of [[love]] in which one [[loves]] the other person for what he is rather than for what he can give. | ||
| − | [[Lacan]] is as critical of the concept of [[genital|oblativity]] as he is of the concept of [[genital|genital love]], viewing it as a form of moralism and a betrayal of the analytic discovery of the [[part-object]].<ref>{{S8}} pp. 173-4</ref> | + | [[Lacan]] is as critical of the concept of [[genital|oblativity]] as he is of the concept of [[genital|genital love]], viewing it as a form of moralism and a [[betrayal]] of the [[analytic]] discovery of the [[part-object]].<ref>{{S8}} pp. 173-4</ref> |
| − | He argues that the concept of [[genital|oblativity]] has little to do with [[genital|genitality]] and has far more in common with anal eroticism. | + | He argues that the concept of [[genital|oblativity]] has little to do with [[genital|genitality]] and has far more in common with [[anal]] [[eroticism]]. |
| − | Following [[Freud]]'s equation between faeces and gifts, [[Lacan]] states that the formula of [[genital|oblativity]] - "everything for the other" -- shows that it is a [[fantasy]] of the [[obsessional neurosis|obsessional neurotic]].<ref>{{S8}} p. 241</ref> | + | Following [[Freud]]'s equation between faeces and gifts, [[Lacan]] states that the [[formula]] of [[genital|oblativity]] - "everything for the other" -- shows that it is a [[fantasy]] of the [[obsessional neurosis|obsessional neurotic]].<ref>{{S8}} p. 241</ref> |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Latest revision as of 08:26, 24 May 2019
| French: génital |
Sigmund Freud
Psychosexual Development
In the stages of psychosexual development listed by Freud, the genital stage is the last stage in the series, coming after the two pregenital stages (the oral stage and the anal stage).
The genital stage first arises between the ages of three and five (the infantile genital organization or phallic phase) and is then interrupted by the latency period, before returning at puberty (the genital stage proper).
Freud defined this stage as the final "complete organization" of the libido, a synthesis of the previously anarchic "polymorphous perversity" of the pregenital stages.[1]
Jacques Lacan
Genitality
Because of this, the concept of "genitality" came to represent a privileged value in psychoanalytic theory after Freud, coming to represent a stage of full psychosexual maturity.
Lacan rejects most psychoanalytic theory concerning the genital stage, genital love, etc., calling it an "absurd hymn to the harmony of the genital."[2]
According to Lacan, there is nothing harmonious about genitality.
Genital Stage
The stages of psychosexual development are conceived by Lacan not as natural phases of biological maturation but as forms of demand which are structured retroactively.[3]
In the oral and anal stages, desire is eclipsed by demand, and it is only in the genital stage as a third moment which comes after the oral and anal stages.[4]
However, Lacan's discussion of this stage focuses on what Freud referred to as the "infantile genital organization" (also known as the phallic phase); a stage when the child knows only one sexual organ (the male one) and passes through the castration complex.
Castration
Thus the genital phase is only thinkable, Lacan emphasizes, insofar as it is marked by the sign of castration; "genital realization" can only be achieved on condition that the subject first assumes his own castration.[5]
Furthermore, Lacan insists that even when the polymorphous perverse sexuality of the pregential phases comes under the domination of the genital organization, this does not mean that pregenital sexuality is abolished.
"The most archaic aspirations of the child are... a nucleus that is never completely resolved under some primacy of genitality."[6]
He therefore rejects the concept of a final stage of synthesis; synthesis is not possible for human beings, in Lacan's view, since human subjectivity is essentially and irremediably divided.
Genital Drive
The genital drive is not listed by Lacan as one of the partial drives.
Given that Lacan argues that every drive is a partial drive, his refusal to include the genital drive among the partial drives is tantamount to questioning its existence.
In 1964, Lacan makes this explicit.
He writes: "the partial drive, if it exists, is not at all articulated like the other drives.[7]
Unlike the other drives, the genital drive (if it exists) "finds its form" on the side of the Other.[8]
Furthermore, there is no "genital object" that would correspond to a supposed genital drive.
Genital Love
Lacan rejects Michael Balint's concept of "genital love".
The term indicates a psychosexual maturity in which the two elements of sensuality and affection are completely integrated and harmonized, and in which there is thus no longer any ambivalence.
Freud, however, never used the term, and Lacan rejects it as completely alien to psychoanalytic theory.
For Lacan, the idea of final psychosexual maturity and synthesis implied in the term "genital love" is an illusion which completely overlooks "the barriers and snubs (Erniedrigungen) that are so common even in the most fulfilled love relation."[9]
There is no such thing as a post-ambivalent object relation.
Oblativity
The concept of genital love is closely linked to that of "oblativity", a term used by some psychoanalysts to designate a mature form of love in which one loves the other person for what he is rather than for what he can give.
Lacan is as critical of the concept of oblativity as he is of the concept of genital love, viewing it as a form of moralism and a betrayal of the analytic discovery of the part-object.[10]
He argues that the concept of oblativity has little to do with genitality and has far more in common with anal eroticism.
Following Freud's equation between faeces and gifts, Lacan states that the formula of oblativity - "everything for the other" -- shows that it is a fantasy of the obsessional neurotic.[11]
See also
References
- ↑ Freud, Sigmund. "Splitting of the Ego in the Process of Defence" 1940a [1938]. SE XXIII. p. 155
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p. 245
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Le Séminaire. Livre VIII. Le transfert, 1960-61. Ed. Jacques-Alain Miller. Paris: Seuil, 1991. p. 238-46
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Le Séminaire. Livre VIII. Le transfert, 1960-61. Ed. Jacques-Alain Miller. Paris: Seuil, 1991. p. 268
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Le Séminaire. Livre IV. La relation d'objet, 19566-57. Ed. Jacques-Alain Miller. Paris: Seuil, 1991. p. 219
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book VII. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis, 1959-60. Trans. Dennis Porter. London: Routledge, 1992. p.93
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p. 189
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p. 189
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p. 245
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Le Séminaire. Livre VIII. Le transfert, 1960-61. Ed. Jacques-Alain Miller. Paris: Seuil, 1991. pp. 173-4
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Le Séminaire. Livre VIII. Le transfert, 1960-61. Ed. Jacques-Alain Miller. Paris: Seuil, 1991. p. 241
