Write an essay on the following statement:
‘Psychoanalytic ideas can enrich the way social psychologists understand social dynamics.’
Critically evaluate this statement drawing upon empirical illustrations from Block 5.
Word limit: 1500 words (excluding the assignment title and references).
Your essay should present an overarching argument, not just divergent points or observations. This means you have to make sure that the different points you make hang together and support another, and you should briefly outline how they do this in the introduction.A second point to consider is that your essay should present an overarching argument, not just divergent points or observations. This means you have to make sure that the different points you make hang together and support another, and you should briefly outline how they do this in the introduction.
This should reference the ‘dynamic unconscious’ developed in psychoanalysis‘dynamic unconscious’ developed in psychoanalysis, and its relationship to social issues.
Note that the focus in this question should be on whether and how dynamic psychoanalytic ideas add to social psychological understanding. The essay should not get bogged down in the history of psychoanalysis but should be based on evaluating psychoanalytic ideas, drawing on contemporary research. For example, you might draw upon the studies of social dynamics of conflict, violence and bystander behaviour. As ever, this is a critical discussion, so it is also important to explore criticisms and limitations of taking an approach that relies on psychoanalytic ideas. You may also find it useful to refer to other blocks, and to relevant sources from outside the module material.