R.D. Laing: creative analyst or false prophet?
One of R.D. Laing's recent books 'Politics of experience' is discussed from a critical point of view. In his first books Laing defined the schizophrenic as a sensitive person who was squeezed into the 'double-bind' messages of his intimates. In the book discussed here, Laing views the schizoid experience as a symbol of health. He suggests that everyone use this schizoid experience as a means of rediscovering his lost 'real' self by divesting oneself of society and its evils. This change in Laing's writings is viewed here critically: instead of urging us to find a way to change society, as questionable as it may be, he suggests we keep the 'status-quo' and find a 'solution' for ourselves. The article lastly deals with Laing's argument in the context of the Kibbutz. The question why so many youngsters in the Kibbutz are influenced by Laing's point of view, is discussed.
D001318:Authoritarianism; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008603:Mental Health; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012557:Schizoid Personality Disorder; D012922:Social Change; D012931:Social Environment