Racism and the Unconscious as Understood by Psychoanalysis and Critical Psychology

Abstract

In the public debate on the societal basis for racism, political consequences, societal conditions, etc., one common deficit is frequently pointed out: a failure to include subjective, psychological, and emotional aspects. In this context, Elisabeth Rohr seems to be expressing a view widespread among social scientists when she writes that all of the discussions about “manifest and latent racism, class interests and the reality and vision of a multicultural society” certainly tackle “parts, perhaps even major parts of the problem … And yet, in my view, they fall short where they disregard the emotional level. After all, it is obvious that discussions on xenophobia, hostility towards foreigners and hatred of them also involve discussions on emotions, namely fear, hostility and hatred” (1993, p. 133).