The Dynamic Basis of Anti-Semitic Attitudes

Anti-Semitism, currently a grave problem, is a sociopsychological phenomenon. It is a form of intergroup behavior, which increases in intensity at times of social crisis; it expresses itself in stereotyped accusations which seem to be part of a cultural tradition; it produces social consequences of a dangerously destructive nature. Cultural traditions, however, and social forces do not exist as mere abstractions; they have existence only in so far as they express themselves dynamically in the behavior of people. In the last analysis, a completely meaningful conception of social forces can be achieved only in terms of—or at least with close reference to—specific patterns of interpersonal behavior. But in the case of anti-Semitism especially, even those whose preferred frame of reference is primarily sociological might be disposed to turn to dynamic psychiatry for insight. It is not merely the irrational content of anti-Semitic accusations, but fully as much the self-defeating aspects of anti-Semitic behavior, which invites psychiatric clarification. Such behavior is rationalized as a means of self-preservation; yet, it ultimately brings harm both to the individual anti-Semite and to the society which nourishes such hostility. The analogy to neurotic self-destructive mechanisms is striking, and must attract attention to the relevance of a dynamic investigation of the phenomenon.

The psychiatric approach to the problem of anti-Semitism raises several fundamental questions. Why, under the same socioeconomic conditions, do some persons develop anti-Semitic