O campo psicanalítico brasileiro contemporâneo: um estudo sociológico

Abstract

The object of this study is the Brazilian psychoanalytic field and the dispositions of the psychoanalysts who belong to it. Based on a bibliographical review of psychoanalysis in Brazil, it can be seen that the first psychoanalytic ideas arrived in Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century, when psychoanalysis was linked to the ambitions of parts of the elite to modernize the country. Over the course of the century, however, psychoanalysis became institutionalized and was closed off to private clinics and restricted psychoanalytic groups. This scenario began to change in the 1970s, with the arrival of Argentinian Lacanian psychoanalysts and the strengthening of other psychoanalytic groups outside the dominant psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis became more plural and politically engaged, especially in recent years. The purpose of this study was therefore to understand the configuration of the current Brazilian psychoanalytic field, as well as the dispositions of psychoanalysts. To this end, Pierre Bourdieu and his theory of social fields were used to investigate psychoanalysis as a space of relational positions, in which agents compete for goods and resources. Bourdieu's concept of dispositions was also used to investigate the dispositions of psychoanalysts. The methodology used combined a quantitative and qualitative approach. Firstly, we used Multiple Correspondence Analysis, which is closely related to Bourdieu's relational thinking and allows us to visualize the structure of the social field and identify oppositions in the field. Secondly, based on the results of the first stage, semi-structured interviews and public sources were used to understand the trajectory and dispositions of psychoanalysts. With regard to the results, the Multiple Correspondence Analysis outlined the central oppositions in the Brazilian psychoanalytic field, revealing two main dimensions: the first dimension focused on academic and media properties, while the second dimension discerned the oppositions related to psychoanalytic trajectory and affiliation, distinguishing between orthodox and heterodox institutions. The oppositions identified led to the characterization of four profiles of psychoanalysts: the orthodox with limited resources, the established heterodox with ample academic and media resources, the established heterodox with intermediate academic resources and few media resources, and the non-established heterodox with few academic and media resources. These profiles reflect the panorama of disputes in the social space, echoing the history of the field. Based on the profiles outlined, seven psychoanalysts were selected for interviews and in-depth analysis of their dispositions. The results helped us to gain a better understanding of the object studied. Recognizing the limitations and pointing out the importance of future research, the study contributes to the understanding of psychoanalysis in Brazil, as well as seeking to contribute to the development of sociological research.