“We Struck for Dignity.” Social Movements as Holding Environments: Internalized Oppression and the Importance of Psychodynamic Movement Leadership

Abstract

This paper explores how social movements help people improve their mental well-being, especially in relation to internalized oppression. It is informed by numerous accounts of workers leaving abusive relationships after unionizing. Specifically discussed is the epistemological politics of internalized oppression, cultural hegemony theory, and psychoanalysis. Research findings and specific recommendations as to how social movements can improve participants' mental well-being are provided. The paper argues for overcoming the controversies of internalized oppression by (A) focusing on the general concept of internalized oppression rather than specific manifestations of it, (B) viewing internalized oppression a spectrum phenomenon, (C) identifying points of friction through Du Bois's conceptualization of “double consciousness,” and (D) focusing upon how people internalize both being oppressed and the reproduction of oppression. Then Antonio Gramsci's conceptualization of cultural hegemony and “organic intellectuals” is explored as well as the idea of psychodynamic leadership. Finally, psychoanalytic thought is utilized to situate individuals within capitalist cultural hegemony. Next, object relations theory and ego psychology are specifically explored. For the former I review Winnicott's notions of the True Self/False Self, “holding environments” and “abrogation.” I argue that social movements can function as holding environments that enable people to develop their True Self. For the latter I explore Anna Freud's conceptualization of identification with the aggressor. Penultimately, research findings are presented to argue for the development of psychodynamic organic intellectuals and the development of social movements as holding environments. Finally, specific programmatic suggestions are enumerated.