The Fromm-Marcuse debate revisited
- The interpretation of Erich FROMM's work by Herbert Marcuse as essentially conformist in nature is challenged; it is claimed that this view distorts the general tenor and specific content of FROMM's writings. FROMM's rejection of Sigmund Freud's libido theory does not indicate a transition from radical to conformist theories. Instead, it is argued that he developed a consistently critical social psychology, even after rejecting libido theory. FROMM's Marxist social psychology is analyzed, as is Marcuse's critique. Because of Marcuse's criticism, FROMM came to be regarded as a conformist thinker; and Russell Jacoby adopted essentially the same position. In conclusion, it is acknowledged there is some validity to the Marcuse-Jacoby criticism of FROMM's work, but rejecting FROMM as a socially critical thinker is not justified.
| Author: | John Rickert |
|---|---|
| Parent Title (English): | Theory and Society, Dordrecht (Martinus Nijhoff Publishers), Vol. 15 (1986), pp. 351-400 [cf. RICKERT, J., 1983] |
| Document Type: | Articles |
| Language: | English |
| Year of first Publication: | 1986 |
| Release Date: | 2012/12/13 |
| Format: | PDF-file to download |
| IdNo: | Rickert_J_1986 |
| Writings about Erich Fromm (Secondary Literature): | Articles / Artikel |
| Erich Fromm's Library and Erich Fromm Archive: | Articles / Artikel |
| International Erich Fromm Society's Writings: | Articles / Artikel |
| Licence (German): |
