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An important critique has been developing that questions the ways in which psychoanalytic theories have conceptualized gender and sexuality. Contemporary (postmodern) feminist theories and the work of gay and lesbian theorists have challenged the traditional psychoanalytic view of gender as formed primarily through fixed, unitary identifications. This paper reviews the classical concept of the primal scene and the Kleinian concept of the combined parent figure and recontextualizes these ideas within contemporary relational theory. The revised metaphor of an internalized primal scene challenges traditional notions of a unitary gender identity and lends support to the postmodern critique of the notion of a core or unified identity. This paper develops the idea that we need both a notion of gender identity and a notion of gender multiplicity; more broadly, we need an emphasis on people both as unified, stable, cohesive subjects and as multiple, fragmented, and different from moment to moment. In line with the postmodern emphasis on deconstructing dichotomies, the paper emphasizes the deconstruction, or rather the psychoanalysis, of such polarized concepts as male-female, masculine—feminine, heterosexual—homosexual, father—mother, genital—pregenital, oedipal—preoedipal, identity—multiplicity, identity—multiplicitly paranoid—schizoid—depressive position, drive theory—relational theory, and even patient—analyst.
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the spring meeting of the Division of Psychoanalysis (39) of the American Psychological Association, April 12, 1991. I am indebted to many colleagues who read drafts of this paper and gave helpful criticism. I especially want to thank Muriel Dimen, whose clarity and insight into the very complex area of gender and postmodern feminist critique were invaluable. Thanks also to Jessica Benjamin, Virginia Goldner, Adrienne Harris, Joyce McDougall, Stephen Mitchell, Gilead Nachmani, Thomas Ogden, David Schwartz, Elizabeth Spillius, and Carole Vance.
Sadly, my revered teacher, supervisor, and colleague, Donald Kaplan, did not live to see the final version of this paper. He had read and commented on two earlier drafts, and although we often disagreed he enthusiastically encouraged my scholarship. I dedicate this paper to his memory.
Dr. Aron is Clinical Associate Professor and Supervisor, New York University Post-doctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, and Clinical Associate Professor and Supervisor, Derner Institute Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Adelphi University.
© 1995 The Analytic Press