The Bonds of Love: Psychoanalysis, Feminism, and the Problem of Domincation

In remarkably clear language, Benjamin reworks Freudian psychoanalysis so to include the possibility of mothers and fathers mutually recognizing each other as subjects thereby enabling a cooperative relationship where similarities and differences are acknowledged. Without this modification, she argues that traditional Freudian theories with their sole reliance on individual intrapsychic reality cannot help but reproduce patriarchal gender relationships which are characterized by domination and submission, most notably reflected in the cultural polarity of male rationality and female vulnerability as seen, for example, in the Story of O. She further argues that the dispassionate rationality of the marketplace masks not only the dependency of the working class but male domination as well. Convincing in its integration of Freudian theory with both feminism and marxism, it marks a significant step forward in understanding how the personal is indeed political.

this book is very good. The theme presented in it is very updated, as women have a bigger share of the world than they used to have in the past. Besides, when it approaches the universe of women from a psychoanalytical perspective and fairy tales makes the issue of social conflict more interesting. I just think that it does not touches the matter of women's desire ( - What does a woman want?, asked Freud), making them naive and too submissive. It's not only a matter of a patriarchal culture. There are some secondary gains of both sides.

This was a very academic book about women's rights, women's power and the thought process of power and domination. It was very insightful and helpful for me to understand my relationship with women.

This is an incredible book. Jessica Benjamin is able to make complex and nuanced concepts easily accessible to her audience. This is one you will read, underline, and find yourself referencing. Her ideas are still very contemporary and I was surprised to see the publication date! I wish she would write more!

Amazing book. Readeable, insightful, and innovative. I wish Jessica Benjamin wrote more because her readings of Freud elucidate the material in amazing ways and she engages a very large body of psychoanalytic literature.

i bought the book as a gift for a dear teacher, i was not happy at all to see a folding mark line on the front cover and i was disappointed by the cheep paper back feel of the book: the color of the paper, the quality of the print as examples. i dont think i can give it as a gift. thanks for asking.

Excellent!

phenomenal insights

Excelente producto, invaluable para el acervo cultural de cualquier psicoanalista, y excelente servicio de envío y atención al cliente. Gracias

Excellent text, very well written and challenges many of our ideas in psychoanalysis. I think this book won't be outdated for a while yet! The author is a very clear thinker.

Interesting read.