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Perversion: A Lacanian Psychoanalytic Approach to the Subject

Author(s) : Stephanie S. Swales

Reviews and Endorsements

Contents
Introduction. Theoretical and Case Study Contributions. Button Ties of Lacanian Theory: The Paternal Metaphor, Subjectivity, and the Remainder. The Etiology of Perversion. Perverse Relation to the Other: Fundamental Fantasy, Language, and the Drives. The Perverse Act and Substructures of Perversion. Analysis of a Case of (Perverse) Exhibitionism. Analysis of a Case of Obsessive Neurosis and Pedophilic Sexual Interest. Treatment Recommendations for Clinical Work with Neurotic and Perverse Patients.

'This is the most in-depth, clinically astute, and illuminating exploration of perversion that I know of! Swales convincingly guides us through the maze of sadism, masochism, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and fetishism, illustrating her discussions throughout with eye-opening case material. A must-read book for all clinicians wishing to work with patients many shy away from owing to myriad transferential difficulties and misconceptions.'
- Bruce Fink, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Duquesne University

'Whereas "perversion' has been replaced with the allegedly less pejorative term "paraphilia" in the psychiatric textbooks, most psychoanalysts continue to employ the term, and much in the same way as their fellow clinicians, notably as a synonym for transgressive and eccentric sexual behaviors. In this illuminating book, Stephanie Swales demonstrates how Lacan's conception of perversion opens up an entirely new perspective, which does not focus on particular, non-normative sexualities, but starts from the identification of a certain relationship between the subject and the symbolic structures of language and the law. The startling consequence of Swales' Lacanian approach, in which detailed textual analysis is balanced against the richness of clinical experience, is that perverts may not exist where they were always held to be, and may also linger where they were never held to operate. If you thought you knew what "perversion" meant, this book will make you think again; if you thought you were a pervert, or you thought you knew how to make other people admit it, this book will challenge everything you thought.'
- Professor Dany Nobus, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Development, Brunel University, London