Understanding climate injustice as social pathology through the lens of psychoanalysis, recognition theory and critical psychology

  • Christine Bauriedl-Schmidt Private Practice; Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F) & MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)
  • Monika Krimmer Private Practice; Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F) & Lehrinstitut für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie (Hannover)
  • Markus Fellner Private Practice; Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F) & MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)
  • Paul Cash Private Practice; MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse) & PIN (Institut für psychodynamische Psychotherapie Nürnberg)
Keywords: alterity theory, climate injustice, critical theory, Extinction Rebellion, Fridays for Future, mental health, psychoanalysis,, recognition theory, social transformation

Abstract

The concept of climate injustice and a socio-critical, psychoanalytical perspective associate the climate crisis with other forms of social injustice classifying these as ‘social pathologies’. Two approaches towards social transformation, both recent Frankfurt School
developments, are presented: (1) the double asymmetry of the social (Herrmann), a concept that sees the strength of social bonds as stemming from the acceptance of difference and (2) the value-oriented philosophical approach to radically change patterns of everyday life practice (von Redecker). The latter finds expression in social protest movements such as Fridays for Future or Extinction Rebellion. Seen through the lens of the anti-psychiatry movement, some ‘psychopathology’ can be re-framed as a meaningful, resistant expression of social grievances. Our integrative approach provides a framework that makes room for non-violent difference, destigmatisation of real (as opposed to neurotic) anxiety and the anger it produces, recognition of and responsibility for the other instead of bilateral subjugation, and mutual vulnerability as a driving force for change in both subjects and systems, on the road to healing social pathologies.

Author Biographies

Christine Bauriedl-Schmidt, Private Practice; Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F) & MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)

Private Practice

Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F)
MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)

Monika Krimmer, Private Practice; Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F) & Lehrinstitut für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie (Hannover)

Private Practice

Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F)

Lehrinstitut für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie (Hannover)

 

Markus Fellner, Private Practice; Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F) & MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)

Private Practice
Psychotherapists For Future (Psy4F)
MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)

Paul Cash, Private Practice; MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse) & PIN (Institut für psychodynamische Psychotherapie Nürnberg)

Private Practice

MAP (Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Psychoanalyse)

PIN (Institut für psychodynamische Psychotherapie Nürnberg)

 

Published
2022-09-19
How to Cite
Bauriedl-Schmidt, C., Krimmer, M., Fellner, M., & Cash, P. (2022). Understanding climate injustice as social pathology through the lens of psychoanalysis, recognition theory and critical psychology. PINS-Psychology in Society, 64(1), 67-89. https://doi.org/10.57157/pins2022Vol64iss1a5456
Section
Articles