Abby Kluchin and Patrick Blanchfield dive into the impactful work of D. W. Winnicott, a cornerstone of British psychoanalysis. They explore how WWII influenced his theories and the evolution of maternal roles in psychoanalysis. The conversation highlights how negative emotions can foster creativity, contrasting Winnicott's views with traditional psychoanalytic perspectives. They also discuss the complexities of caregiving and its societal undervaluation, all while shedding light on the emotional dynamics between parents and children and how these insights are relevant today.
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insights INSIGHT
The Place of the Child
The "place of the child" in psychoanalysis involves theoretical and clinical questions.
It concerns children's role in analysis and how their experiences affect later life.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Controversial Discussions
During the "Controversial Discussions", Kleinian and Anna Freudian analysts fiercely debated training.
Winnicott, focused on the children's environment during the Blitz, offered a third path.
insights INSIGHT
The Good Enough Mother
Winnicott's "good enough mother" concept emphasizes maternal responsiveness over perfection.
Being an "ordinary devoted mother", however, demands intense attunement and self-loss.
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Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works
Sigmund Freud
The Complete Works of Sigmund Freud, also known as the Standard Edition, is a 24-volume set that includes all his major writings on psychoanalysis, the unconscious mind, dreams, and human behavior. Edited by James Strachey with the assistance of Anna Freud, it provides a thorough understanding of Freud's theories and their development over time.
The Child, the Family and the Outside World
D.W. Winnicott
D.W. Winnicott's "The Child, the Family, and the Outside World" is a seminal work in psychoanalysis, exploring the intricate interplay between the child's development and the environment. The book emphasizes the importance of the mother-child relationship and the role of the 'good enough mother' in fostering healthy development. Winnicott introduces key concepts such as transitional objects and the importance of play in the child's emotional growth. He challenges traditional psychoanalytic views, focusing on the child's subjective experience and the impact of environmental factors. The book's insights continue to influence contemporary understandings of child development and therapeutic practice.
Playing and reality
D.W. Winnicott
In this book, Winnicott discusses how the attentive nurturing of creativity from the earliest years allows individuals to enjoy a rich and rewarding cultural life. He delves into the concept of transitional objects, the importance of the mother-child relationship, and how play transitions into cultural experiences. The book emphasizes the significance of play in personal development, creativity, and the formation of the self, highlighting that being creative is essential for meaningful living and that it is a form of being alive and feeling that life is worth living[1][3][4].
Home Is Where We Start From
Essays by a Psychoanalyst
Donald Winnicott
This book by Donald Winnicott gathers his important essays, including previously unpublished talks, focusing on themes such as childhood development, the role of the mother, and societal influences on mental health. It highlights Winnicott's emphasis on play and creativity in developing a true self. The essays also touch on broader societal issues, though some views may seem outdated due to their historical context.
The hosts of Ordinary Unhappiness join the podcast to discuss D. W. Winnicott; one of the most influential figures in the history of psychoanalysis in Britain. They explain how Winnicott's work was shaped by the traumatizing effects of World War 2, debates between Anna Freud and Melanie Klein, and the place of mothers in the construction of the British welfare state. We also discuss how this history relates to contemporary struggles over social reproduction and care.
Abby Kluchin is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, where she coordinates the Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies program. Abby is a co-founder and Associate Director at Large of the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research. She co-hosts the podcast Ordinary Unhappiness with Patrick.
Patrick Blanchfield is a writer, an Associate Faculty Member at the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, and co-host of Ordinary Unhappiness, a podcast about psychoanalysis, politics, pop culture, and the ways we suffer now. He is also a contributing editor at Parapraxis magazine.
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