The Relevance of Freud in the 21st Century
Psychology 213
The relevance of Freud in the 21st century
Term Essay
Louise du Plessis 16514424
2/14/2014
In 1899 Sigmund Freud published a book that would forever change the way we look at ourselves. His book, ‘The Interpretation of Dreams’ was based on the premise that abnormal behaviour was a result of certain ‘drives’ that have been repressed to the unconscious due to the fear of moral condemnation by society. At the time, the mere acknowledgement of sexual, aggressive or suicidal urges was considered to be completely taboo, and the very concept of an unconscious was unheard of. Hence, his theory, the Psychoanalytical Theory, was met with both critical acclaim and societal outrage. Nevertheless, within the stifling climate of the Victorian era, Freud’s theories resonated with his subjects and provided relief from their psychological distress. Accordingly, Freud’s theory eventually gained such approval and momentum that it became the prevalent psychological theory throughout the 20th century. However, within the past few decades the theory has become increasingly vulnerable to criticism and in various instances has become redundant or fallen into disuse, as many contemporary psychologists hold that the theory is based on principles that no longer apply within context of modern society. Accordingly, the following paper will evaluate the accuracy of such claims by analysing the relevance of Freud’s theory within the context of a globalised, relatively liberalised 21st century society that functions within a value system based on human rights and the promotion of freedom of sexual orientation.
One of the main criticisms against Freud’s theory is that the theory is based on the Victorian mode of living, that is, to live within strict confines and moral codes instituted by society to maintain order and restrain sexual and other urges deemed inappropriate at the time. In the 21st century these moral codes have eased to the extent that most societies
The relevance of Freud in the 21st century
Term Essay
Louise du Plessis 16514424
2/14/2014
In 1899 Sigmund Freud published a book that would forever change the way we look at ourselves. His book, ‘The Interpretation of Dreams’ was based on the premise that abnormal behaviour was a result of certain ‘drives’ that have been repressed to the unconscious due to the fear of moral condemnation by society. At the time, the mere acknowledgement of sexual, aggressive or suicidal urges was considered to be completely taboo, and the very concept of an unconscious was unheard of. Hence, his theory, the Psychoanalytical Theory, was met with both critical acclaim and societal outrage. Nevertheless, within the stifling climate of the Victorian era, Freud’s theories resonated with his subjects and provided relief from their psychological distress. Accordingly, Freud’s theory eventually gained such approval and momentum that it became the prevalent psychological theory throughout the 20th century. However, within the past few decades the theory has become increasingly vulnerable to criticism and in various instances has become redundant or fallen into disuse, as many contemporary psychologists hold that the theory is based on principles that no longer apply within context of modern society. Accordingly, the following paper will evaluate the accuracy of such claims by analysing the relevance of Freud’s theory within the context of a globalised, relatively liberalised 21st century society that functions within a value system based on human rights and the promotion of freedom of sexual orientation.
One of the main criticisms against Freud’s theory is that the theory is based on the Victorian mode of living, that is, to live within strict confines and moral codes instituted by society to maintain order and restrain sexual and other urges deemed inappropriate at the time. In the 21st century these moral codes have eased to the extent that most societies