Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis

Rating:
Summary: a Clinical Tour de Force
Review: Friedman and Downey bring an extraordinary level of scholarship combined with accessible gems of clinical wisdom to the critical field of sexual development and sexual identity. Theoretical revisions, integration of material across fields, and clinical case material make this an essential book for therapists of all disciplines. As a therapist and educator with expertise in family therapy I believe clinicians will find the material on internalized homophobia riveting, and the chapter on intervention with homophobic parents especially valuable.

Rating:
Summary: Overall a very unique and informative book
Review: I read this book with some anxiety being a college junior and not a psychologist or psychiatrist. I learned of it from my dad, a philosophy professor. I thought it was really superb and answered many question I had about homosexuality. For example, I am not gay and ever since the Matthew Shepard incident, I have been trying to understand why gay and lesbian people are the targets of hate crimes. It didn't seem to me that the motivation for hatred of gays is exactly the same as hatred for other minority groups. "Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis" explains the way that the homophobia-particularly in men has its roots in childhood- particularly the last part of childhood. One point it stresses is that it often seems to be traced back to middle school years and is a special type of bullying. Going back to my own experience with schoolyard bullies when I was in 6th grade-this made a lot of sense. I also learned a lot about the different pathways for sexual development in men and women. I now understand why "homosexuality" is not just one "thing" and how different gay and lesbian people are from each other. I was surprised to learn how similar the sexuality of lesbian is to heterosexual women, and gay men- to heterosexual men (even though there are also differences of course). Not all the material discussed in this book had equal interest for me. For example, I wasn't all that interested in the last chapter which is about the way psychoanalysts have thought about homosexuality over the years, but it was enlightening to better understand why they used to think that homosexuality was a mental illness. I did read some Freud and some of my teachers hated him and some admired him. At least with respect to sex-I appreciated knowing which of his theories are simply out of date. Friedman and Downey think that some of Freud's views are still helpful as well. All in all I give this book an "A" grade- and -even though it is demanding-it is worth the effort to read it. One good thing about it is that it is very clearly written and without psychobabble or jargon.

Rating:
Summary: Overall a very unique and informative book
Review: I read this book with some anxiety being a college junior and not a psychologist or psychiatrist. I learned of it from my dad, a philosophy professor. I thought it was really superb and answered many question I had about homosexuality. For example, I am not gay and ever since the Matthew Shepard incident, I have been trying to understand why gay and lesbian people are the targets of hate crimes. It didn't seem to me that the motivation for hatred of gays is exactly the same as hatred for other minority groups. "Sexual Orientation and Psychoanalysis" explains the way that the homophobia-particularly in men has its roots in childhood- particularly the last part of childhood. One point it stresses is that it often seems to be traced back to middle school years and is a special type of bullying. Going back to my own experience with schoolyard bullies when I was in 6th grade-this made a lot of sense. I also learned a lot about the different pathways for sexual development in men and women. I now understand why "homosexuality" is not just one "thing" and how different gay and lesbian people are from each other. I was surprised to learn how similar the sexuality of lesbian is to heterosexual women, and gay men- to heterosexual men (even though there are also differences of course). Not all the material discussed in this book had equal interest for me. For example, I wasn't all that interested in the last chapter which is about the way psychoanalysts have thought about homosexuality over the years, but it was enlightening to better understand why they used to think that homosexuality was a mental illness. I did read some Freud and some of my teachers hated him and some admired him. At least with respect to sex-I appreciated knowing which of his theories are simply out of date. Friedman and Downey think that some of Freud's views are still helpful as well. All in all I give this book an "A" grade- and -even though it is demanding-it is worth the effort to read it. One good thing about it is that it is very clearly written and without psychobabble or jargon.

Rating:
Summary: A scholarly work for professionals, parents and friends.....
Review: This brilliant work by 2 practicing Manhattan psychoanalysts provides a comprehensive and integrative viewpoint on the controversial area of study. In a spirit of empathy, understanding and acceptance, the authors provide a scholarly piece on the biological and psychological perspective of homosexuality.
Professors Friedman and Downey paint a historical picture of psychoanalytic thinking, Freud's ambivalence and the ultimate pathologization of homosexuality. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, they bring a refreshing knowledge, sensitivity and integrity to this controversial field of study.
This major work lays the groundwork for an increasing literature of contemporary psychoanalytic thinking. It brings together in one place the newest scholarship towards contemporary understanding of human sexuality and gender identity.
The book is a scholarly work for professionals in mental health and child development as well as parents, teachers and friends who seek understanding.

Rating:
Summary: A scholarly work for professionals, parents and friends.....
Review: This brilliant work by 2 practicing Manhattan psychoanalysts provides a comprehensive and integrative viewpoint on the controversial area of study. In a spirit of empathy, understanding and acceptance, the authors provide a scholarly piece on the biological and psychological perspective of homosexuality.
Professors Friedman and Downey paint a historical picture of psychoanalytic thinking, Freud's ambivalence and the ultimate pathologization of homosexuality. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, they bring a refreshing knowledge, sensitivity and integrity to this controversial field of study.
This major work lays the groundwork for an increasing literature of contemporary psychoanalytic thinking. It brings together in one place the newest scholarship towards contemporary understanding of human sexuality and gender identity.
The book is a scholarly work for professionals in mental health and child development as well as parents, teachers and friends who seek understanding.