The psychological is crucial
Why Erich Fromm’s understanding of human needs contributes to defeating fascism
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12737372 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Joan Braune (0000-0003-3142-6314, Gonzaga University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 308-319 |
| Publication date | 2024-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Psychosocial Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1478-6737 • E-ISSN: 1478-6737 |
| Publisher | Bristol University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1332/14786737y2024d000000036 |
| OpenAlex | W4404025874 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 4 |
This article uses Erich Fromm’s list of five fundamental human needs discussed in The Sane Society (1955) to critically explore the role of psychological needs and desires in the concerning resurgence of fascist and far-right movements globally and especially in the United States. First, the article addresses the hesitancy expressed by some activists and theorists about engaging psychology in relation to fascism. I critique the view that such psychological inquiry undermines structural critique of society. I demonstrate that unproductive and harmful attempts to meet human needs outlined by Fromm are contributing to fascist resurgence and also to the rise of the ‘fascistic’ mass shooter, who must be understood as both influenced by structural/political dynamics and by the personal attempt to resolve the ‘existential’ problems of human life described by Fromm
Psychoanalysis · Sociology · Italian Fascism and Post-war Society · Philosophy · Psychology · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |