Producing the eco-subject through schizoanalysis. (1st March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Welker, Chelsea L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of psycho-social studies. Volume 13:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2020-03-01
• Subjects: psychoanalysis -- schizoanalysis -- ecology -- Deleuze -- Guattari; Social sciences and psychoanalysis -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychohistory -- Periodicals; Social interaction -- Periodicals; Politics, Practical -- Periodicals; 302.5
• DOI: 10.1332/147867320X15803493354890
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-6737

Abstract

Abstract : The relationship between the human psyche and concern for the environment remains enigmatic in the psychoanalytic literature. To further shed light on this relationship, I utilise the work of Deleuze and Guattari to investigate their understanding of 'schizoanalysis' and its possible utility for reconceptualising the relationship between humans and nature through a reorientation of human subjectivity. Ultimately, I argue that a Lacanian model of psychoanalysis based on 'lack' is largely insufficient for reconceptualising subjectivity in the context of climate and other environmental crises due to its structuralism. Due to these understandings of the human unconscious, psychoanalysis opens itself up to co-optation and infiltration by capitalist and fascist projects simultaneously. With this issue in mind, I argue that Deleuze and Guattari's employment of schizoanalysis to examine the possibilities for the development of more ethical and ecological subjectivities opposed to capitalist homogenisation of the self constitutes a more productive endeavour based on affirmation/experimentation.