Class relations and individual consciousness: a neglected dynamic in analytic group therapy

Abstract

The author argues that class is an important but rarely acknowledged dynamic in analytic groups. She suggests that this, in part, reflects the dominant view in contemporary society that class is no longer an important aspect of social identity. This idea developed from a Weberian understanding of society as divided into many classes. She recommends the simplicity of a Marxist analysis of class as a relationship between those who hold economic power in society and those who do not. The author goes on to suggest why class is neglected as a dynamic in group analytic therapy. She suggests that, despite this neglect, class forms a significant aspect of analytic groups in clinical practice. She illustrates her argument with clinical examples.