Joel Birman - Subjetividade Contemporânea: Crise da Identidade Moderna

The Transformation of the Contemporary Subject

Historical Context of the Modern Subject

• The diagnosis of social sciences regarding the transformation from modern to contemporary subjects is historically valid, indicating a shift from a universal, transcultural essence to a more individualized self-concept.

• This change may stem from what Max Weber termed the Protestant Ethic, emphasizing an interiority-focused subject striving to reconcile debts with a creator through labor.

Ideological Shifts and Neoliberalism

• Foucault's seminars highlight how Protestant ideology significantly shaped modern subjectivity and disciplinary practices in societies like France and England.

• The breakdown of this modern subject model began around the 1960s, coinciding with conditions that disrupted established societal structures and introduced neoliberal frameworks prioritizing market imperatives over social organization.

Emergence of Neoliberal Individualism

• Post-French Revolution ideologies centered on citizenship as foundational for political society have evolved into models where individual value is paramount, influenced by concepts of freedom, equality, and fraternity.

• The rise of neoliberal societies has led to new forms of individualism characterized by self-management akin to being an entrepreneur of one's own life.

Impact on Psychoanalytic Practices

• This shift towards viewing oneself as a business entity has profoundly affected psychoanalytic practices; individuals now seek therapy for immediate issues rather than existential inquiries.

• Historically, patients engaged deeply with psychoanalysis over extended periods; however, contemporary clients prefer shorter sessions focused on practical life challenges.

Changes in Therapy Dynamics

• Patients now attend therapy less frequently (once or twice weekly), reflecting both time constraints and financial considerations in their approach to personal exploration.

• There’s also a notable trend where individuals select therapists based on proximity rather than prestige, highlighting practicality in choosing mental health support.

New Modalities in Psychoanalysis

• Current therapeutic demands focus more on resolving immediate life problems rather than delving into past experiences or extensive remembrances.

• Remote consultations via technology have become commonplace, illustrating adaptability within psychoanalytic practice that was previously unthinkable decades ago.

Rise of Alternative Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive-behavioral therapies are gaining traction due to their promise of quick resolutions for anxiety or depression compared to traditional psychoanalysis.

• Critics argue that these newer methods often replicate costs associated with longer-term treatments while failing to deliver sustained efficacy beyond initial short-term solutions.