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The New Sexual Landscape and Contemporary Psychoanalysis
The sexual landscape has changed dramatically in the past few decades, with the meaning of gender and sexuality now being parsed within the realms of gender fluidity, nonheteronormative sexuality, BDSM, and polyamory. The sea change in sexual attitudes has also made room for the mainstreaming of internet pornography and the use of virtual reality for sexual pleasure – and the tech gurus have not even scratched the surface when it comes to mining the possibilities of alternative realities. This book surveys modern sex culture and suggests ways psychoanalysis can update its theories and practice to meet the novel needs of today’s generations; at the same time, paying special attention to technology, which is augmenting and expanding sexual and gender possibilities. The authors consider how sexuality and bonding in this brave new world are best suited to meet our psychoanalytic needs.
216 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 24, 2020
In their exploration of the new landscape of sexuality, the authors guide us through a rapidly changing world of identities, desires and complexities. In short chapters, they impartially explore various edges as our ever-powerful sexual desires push against the boundaries of what is possible.
Covering various topics including gender fluidity, polyamory, BDSM and pornography, the latter part of the work begins to explore the interface of sexuality and technology. "We have sketched a connection between sex and technology because both are central expressions of human power ..." they write, and both "are sources of exquisite creativity and fearsome destruction."
For many who engage in psychotherapy today, erotic themes and sexuality are left untouched. There are various reasons for this, ranging from fear of litigation and discipline, to shame and to a failure of curiosity. Contemporary psychoanalysts are aware of an increased focus on attachment non-sexual forms of expression and connection; contemporary psychotherapists are aware of a focus on mindfulness and cognitive therapies that avoid the darker depths that - in spite of their theories - continue to haunt and impel.
There's a warning in this book, which rightly identifies the connection between sexuality, aggression and the unconscious. In its earlier days, psychoanalysis understood this, although it was quickly deterred by social conflict and more.
Perhaps, more than ever in today's rapidly changing world, we need to re-examine these themes, in order to identify where those forces may threaten more than enrich.
The better we understand our sexuality and the many varied roles it may serve, the better sexuality may serve us, as a force of pleasure, connection and transformation.
They write: "Sex acts are multi-determined and multifunctional, involving any combination of love-seeking, union, acceptance, mastery, reparation, compulsion, addiction, trauma repair, revenge, hatred and trasncendence."
I highly recommend this book because of its clear language, its open-ness and its ability to engage us in a way that - despite its cautions and calls to a broader psychoanalysis and psychotherapy - does not fail to provide the reader with pleasure and awakened or re-awakened curiosity.
Covering various topics including gender fluidity, polyamory, BDSM and pornography, the latter part of the work begins to explore the interface of sexuality and technology. "We have sketched a connection between sex and technology because both are central expressions of human power ..." they write, and both "are sources of exquisite creativity and fearsome destruction."
For many who engage in psychotherapy today, erotic themes and sexuality are left untouched. There are various reasons for this, ranging from fear of litigation and discipline, to shame and to a failure of curiosity. Contemporary psychoanalysts are aware of an increased focus on attachment non-sexual forms of expression and connection; contemporary psychotherapists are aware of a focus on mindfulness and cognitive therapies that avoid the darker depths that - in spite of their theories - continue to haunt and impel.
There's a warning in this book, which rightly identifies the connection between sexuality, aggression and the unconscious. In its earlier days, psychoanalysis understood this, although it was quickly deterred by social conflict and more.
Perhaps, more than ever in today's rapidly changing world, we need to re-examine these themes, in order to identify where those forces may threaten more than enrich.
The better we understand our sexuality and the many varied roles it may serve, the better sexuality may serve us, as a force of pleasure, connection and transformation.
They write: "Sex acts are multi-determined and multifunctional, involving any combination of love-seeking, union, acceptance, mastery, reparation, compulsion, addiction, trauma repair, revenge, hatred and trasncendence."
I highly recommend this book because of its clear language, its open-ness and its ability to engage us in a way that - despite its cautions and calls to a broader psychoanalysis and psychotherapy - does not fail to provide the reader with pleasure and awakened or re-awakened curiosity.
July 31, 2025
All platitudes, didn't get into the mess as I'd hoped
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews