Book: Class and Psychoanalysis – Joanna Ryan
On November 21, 2022 by sarmientoveranoBy: Lucia Sarmiento Verano
What is this book about?
The emotional and psychic processes of class and classism. Main topics explored:
- History of class in psychoanalysis
- Sociology of class distinction
- Lived experience of class
- Its effects in therapeutic training and work
- The limitations in current training and practice to deal with class differences
What is radical/new/different about it?
The level of interdisciplinary thinking. Unlike most therapeutic texts, it really engages with history and sociology as sources to understand inequality and its psychological effects. It uses classic sociological texts as well as new research in sociology AND contemporary psychoanalytical texts.
Why you should read this book:
In my opinion, the greatest value of this book lies in that is provides:
- A clear link between social context and social processes and psychic processes, as it is seldom explained in text.
- A deep dive into the processes of class as lived experience: the harm of oppression…
- … and the middle/upper-class mindset.
Finally, whether you are aware or not, you will encounter class differences within therapeutic work and its unconscious material will have an effect on the process. This is the best text I have encountered to date, to discover and understand such processes. These are clearly named and supported by evidence within social and psychological research. It provides rich material for personal and professional development.
Limitations:
It’s short. To go into more details into the emotional processes explained we need to go have a look at the research itself. Also I would have wished a bit more linking with therapeutic practice and the consequences these processes could have.
Finally, I detest case studies so this is not an issue for me but it might be for others. Some people could benefit from more illustrative examples of what the author is arguing.
Have you read this text? If so, what did you think? Please share below.
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Thank you for highlighting the book Class and Psychoanalysis by Joanna Ryan. I have looked up the book preview online and read some book reviews for the publication: I have every intention on purchasing the book. For context, I am a coach working in the field of leadership and organisational change. I see the book as an invaluable resource and navigational aid in a field that is particularly elitist where discussions and literature on class are largely absent. Social mobility and EDI programmes are starting to enable a wider range of leadership candidates. However navigating spaces that are characteristically white and privileged can be challenging, hostile and alienating for those ascending or entering by a ‘non-traditional’ route. I would like to be able to critique my own practice using the book to better support coachees and also reflect upon my own working class background working in an elitist environment too. Thank you for the blog and sharing your knowledge.
Hi Alison,
Thank you for your comment. From what you are saying I think this book will be very useful to understand the processes at play in such elitist circles and hopefully, it will give you tools to reflect on how you’d like to address these.
You are right to say entering leadership groups from a ‘non-traditional’ background is extremely challenging and can be harmful at times. You are doing valuable work!