Call for papers for Special Issue: Psychoanalysis and the libidinal economy. Critiques and radical propositions in contemporary capitalism
Dear colleagues:
As a platform for critical discussion, we seek to invigorate and explore alternatives to addressing capitalism’s pervasive expansion and its intricate entanglements with subjective practices. Central to this exploration is the enigmatic crossroads between psychoanalysis and contemporary capitalist political and libidinal economies (Alemán, 2019; Tomšič, 2019). To this end, we are pleased to invite articles, essays, and reflections that explore the multifaceted link between psychoanalysis—its theoretical foundations and practical applications—and the socio-economic forces shaping our present moment.
Psychoanalysis, historically recognised for its subversive potential, has, in some perspectives, gradually relinquished much of its critical and political edge (Parker & Pavón-Cuéllar, 2021). In its place, it is increasingly framed as one of many psychotherapeutic modalities that align with dominant cultural and economic paradigms. Against this backdrop, this issue seeks to revisit and reclaim the transformative potential of psychoanalysis, positioning it as a counterpoint to capitalism’s pervasive influence on subjectivity, desire, and libidinal economic organisation.
We aim to foster a dialogue examining psychoanalysis as a resistance and renewal tool. How might its praxis and theory challenge the logic of capitalist production and consumption? What new practices, methodologies, and frameworks can psychoanalysis offer to clinical settings, communities, and institutions grappling with the pressures of contemporary socioeconomic conditions? We invite submissions that analyse these questions and propose innovative directions to reinvigorate psychoanalysis in theory and practice.
Through this call, we aim to generate a vibrant exchange of ideas that will illuminate how psychoanalysis can contribute to understanding and resisting the mechanisms of capitalist exploitation. This issue aspires to redefine psychoanalysis as a dynamic and critical force in the 21st century by revisiting its subversive roots and exploring its potential to disrupt and reimagine libidinal economies.
We invite contributions exploring various topics related to the junctures of psychoanalysis, capitalism, and contemporary society’s political and libidinal economies. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Libidinal Economies and Capitalist Desires: The role of pleasures, enjoyments, and their commodification within the framework of capitalism. How do libidinal economies sustain, challenge, or transform capitalist structures?
- Clinical Psychoanalysis in the Digital Age and Artificial Intelligence: The evolving demands placed on psychoanalytic practice by platform capitalism, the digital world, and their effects on subjectivity and clinical settings. Is AI just a cognitivist dispositive, or is it fostered and challenged by the libidinal economy?
- Neoliberal Mental Health and Psychoanalytic Critiques: Critical reflections on the rise of neoliberal discourses in mental health and the unique insights and counter-narratives offered by psychoanalysis.
- Entrepreneurial Subjectivities and the Neoliberal Condition: Investigations into the construction of neoliberal subjects, the culture of entrepreneurship, and the underlying discontentment masked by narratives of success and self-optimisation. This entrepreneurial subjectivity could be compared to other capitalistic subjectivities, such as financialised and indebted subjects.
- Methodologies and Interventions from the Critique of Libidinal Economies: Innovative approaches, processes, or interventions informed by psychoanalytic critiques of libidinal economies and their implications for praxis in various contexts.
- Critical positions that go beyond right-wing, conservative interpretations or those of a ‘lucid cynicism’: Versions that are epistemological obstacles to thinking, through psychoanalysis, of more liberating, emancipating, or revolutionary alternatives to politics.
We encourage submissions that are theoretically rigorous, empirically grounded, or methodologically inventive and contribute to rethinking psychoanalysis’ intersections and the socio-economic realities of our time.
Important Dates:
- Expression of Interest: Please submit a brief proposal outlining your intended contribution by March 31, 2025, to the Special Issue’s Editors Edgar M. Juárez-Salazar (ejuarez@correo.xoc.uam.mx) and Carlos Gómez Camarena (carlos.gomez@ibero.mx)
- Deadline for Final Drafts: Full manuscripts must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Please follow the author guidelines and submit your final draft on the journal’s submission wizard.
References
Alemán, J. (2019). Capitalismo crimen perfecto o emancipación. NED.
Parker, I., & Pavón-Cuéllar, D. (2021). Psychoanalysis and revolution: Critical psychology for liberation movements. 1968 Press.
Tomšič, S. (2019). The labour of enjoyment: Towards a critique of libidinal economy. August Verlag.
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If you have further questions or would like to submit your expression of interest, please contact the Special Issue’s Editors Edgar M. Juárez-Salazar or Carlos Gómez Camarena.
Thank you for considering this invitation, and we look forward to your valuable contributions to this crucial dialogue.
Best regards,
Special Issue’s Editors
Edgar M. Juárez-Salazar
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco
ejuarez@correo.xoc.uam.mx
Carlos Gómez Camarena
Universidad Iberoamericana México
carlos.gomez@ibero.mx
Editorial Board: Psychotherapy and Politics International
Karen: karen@insights-sw.co.uk
David: davidpavoncuellar@gmail.com
