Voluntary Servitude. Masochism and Morality

<p>Le Soldat’s <i>Voluntary Servitude. Masochism and Morality</i> presents an extraordinary analysis of masochism the subject death drive and sexual discourse inspired by Freudian drive theory philosophy gender theory political science and mythology.</p><p>This book will certainly evoke the reader’s curiosity but even more than that it will encourage readers critical reflection on the clandestine defensive formations between the psyche and reality that in the author’s view obscure pleasure principle by corrupting the death drive and the body. Le Soldat presents an unprecedented formulation in psychoanalytic literature to date one of incomparable significance not only for our clinical work but also for critical theoretical reflection on society and its vicissitudes. As a result of their defensive stances we encounter ‘masochistic subjects of servitude’ enclosed in a world of wars economical rivalries regressive brutality of consumerism religious dependency and political mania.</p><p>Drawing on the work of Freud and Adorno and balancing theoretical and clinical material this is essential reading for psychoanalysts psychotherapists and anyone who seeks to understand the concept of voluntary servitude.</p>