Anti-semitism and Xenophobia

Am J Psychoanal. 2017 Dec;77(4):378-391. doi: 10.1057/s11231-017-9113-6.

Abstract

This paper explores the link between anti-Semitism and xenophobia from a psychoanalytic prism. The author claims that anti-Semitism is a particular form of xenophobia directed against Jews, with some unique characteristics. She first introduces some basic notions about xenophobia, and then discusses the origins of anti-Semitism as they are viewed in early psychoanalytic thinking and in contemporary psychoanalysis. The article explores the nature of anti-Semitism in society today, and presents some reflections on the interplay between anti-Semitism and other kinds of xenophobia.

Keywords: anti-semitism; archaic fantasy systems; chimerical anti-Semitism; modern anti-Semitism; xenophobia; xenophobic anti-Semitism.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Jews*
  • Psychoanalysis*
  • Xenophobia / psychology*