Key psychoanalytic papers on the subject of femininity and masculinity from the very different British, French and American perspectives are brought together in this book for the first time. An introductory discussion of important theoretical differences, in particular of the conception of the unconscious and psychic development, enables the reader to overcome the barriers of international dialogue and really to engage with the arguments. The papers are gathered around the central issue of the interplay of body and psyche in psychoanalysis and by examining this interplay Dana Breen offers a way forward in the understanding of femininity. At the same time she shows how the outspoken controversy over femininity has masked a more silent revolution in the understanding of masculinity.
The Gender Conundrum is divided into four sections; the Oedipus Complex; the Phallic Question; the Representation of the Body; and Bisexuality. Papers included are by: M. Aisenstein, D. Bernstein, P. Blos, D. Braunschweig, R. Britton, J. Chasseguet-Smirgel, M. Fain, A. Gibeault, W. Gillespie, M. Glasser, R. Greenson, M.E. Laufer, A. Limentani, J. McDougall and M. Montrelay.
Offering an international perspective, with introductions of exemplary clarity, this collection of seminal papers fills a considerable gap in the literature and provides a classic reference text for psychoanalysis and gender studies.