Complacency: what it is, meaning, examples

George Alvarez 31-05-2023
George Alvarez

From time to time we try to yield important things to some people in order to shorten paths, avoid detours, or achieve something. This includes giving up one's own opinion and showing a certain submission in order to reach an end. Let's make this clearer by explaining what it is complacency with some everyday examples.

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What is complacency?

Complacency is the behavior of agreeing with another person to be nice or pleasant to that person In this, we can let go of our own will in order to welcome the other and give them a turn about something. Although the path is not always a rule, the end always moves in this direction.

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For example, think of a person who is fervently defending an idea or suggestion and won't budge. In order not to delay any longer than they already have and to close the subject, you agree with what they are saying. In this way, both of you can return to the activities you were doing before, since you gave them what they wanted.

To put it in simpler words, the complacent one is more submissive momentarily, doing a favor or kindness. Even if the other person "wins" momentarily, the one who made the concession also got something, mainly peace of mind.

Why are we complacent?

One does not walk a straight line when talking about complacency, since the ends can be many. This individual must have some power to make concessions or be above the other at some level Among the reasons, we can mention:

To be kind

Being the most obvious reason, this can be a simpler, more direct reason, consistent with the person's personality. Sometimes someone wants to try to be nice to the other person and allows him a momentary concession. This ends up helping to build his image, so that the other person sees him in a good light.

Interest

There are those people who are benevolent by nature while others show themselves to a certain cost. Basically, there can be an exchange of favors, so that the complacent can later collect Maneuvers like this are very common in the world of politics and business where such concessions are valuable.

Sossego

Sometimes it is necessary to give something up so that you can simply take a break from the routine. The example here is especially valid for mothers of hectic children who work double shifts. Many end up pleasing the children momentarily so that they can breathe for a moment before returning.

Complacency in Biology

Complacency ends up taking on new contours as to its meaning, depending on where it is applied. In biology it is the capacity of an organ to vary its volume according to pressure, flexing and stretching In this, it will increase in size as the pressure exerted on it increases.

When a good compliance happens it means that such an organ can inflate reactively with the increased content. This happens by means of elastic fibers that stretch and return to the original shape as soon as the pressure in it decreases. For example, the heart or lung that stretch normally while working.

However, when these organs become diseased, such as fibrosis in the lung, compliance decreases. And when this affects the heart, for example, circulation and blood ejection can weaken.

Examples

There are some common examples from everyday life that contribute directly to the explanation of what complacency is. They range from actions within our reach or that simply happen in other contexts far from our routine. To take more plural, we bring some examples of public speeches in previous years, such as:

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"In a speech in New York, Obama criticized the banking industry's 'complacency'," Folha de S.Paulo

In short, the former president raised questions regarding the internal concession within the banking industry.

"However, in recent months, allegations of corruption and authorities' complacency with inmates have also multiplied," Folha de S.Paulo

The inmates in question ended up benefiting from favors from the authorities.

"The work carried out to give the sculptures of the Shrine of Our Lady of Prayers, in Oliveira do Hospital, a new appearance, has aroused widespread interest that oscillates between statements of repulsion, laughter and complacency," public

The intervention in the restoration of these sculptures ends up inciting some people's benevolence about it while others repudiate it.

"Centrist historian criticizes complacency of the President of the Republic towards Passos Coelho's executive," public

Once again, the condescension between government positions raises criticism regarding the ease of favors.

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"Gurria made it clear, however, that there is no room for complacency, not least because "the region's potential growth is still low," Folha de S.Paulo

There is a denial here of giving support or any perk from a government authority.

Complacency in Psychoanalysis

Spread by Freud, the expression refers to a "translation of the hysterical neurosis from the choice of a physical organ". Trying to simplify, it would be the symbolic expression of an unconscious conflict through a particular organ .

Freud talks about the somatic aspect of this in the Dora Case, stating that it is not just a choice between psychic or somatic hysterical origin. A hysterical symptom asks for support from each side and does not develop without somatic compliance in one organ. It is through this somatic passage that the unconscious mental processes have escape into the body.

It is undeniable that this somatic notion goes far beyond hysteria, as well as the body's power of expression to signify the recalcitrance. Still, one should not mistake the variation of registers in which this can fit.

Exemplification

Within Psychoanalysis, the concept of complacency is quite confusing to understand initially, both because of the meaning itself and because of the explanation provided by Freud. Therefore, we will invest in some examples to make its essence and meaning clearer:

Diseases

A somatic disease can be an outlet of expression for an unconscious conflict. This is how Freud sees a rheumatic disease in one of his own patients. In this, the organic disease would be the hysterical reproduction of what it holds internally .

Sex

The libido placed in the erogenous zone can move and end up in a body region that has no sexual function initially. On this path, it is possible that its meaning is covertly a hidden desire being repressed.

The body as meaning

At first, the meaning of somatic complacency indicated only the choice of a specific organ as a means of expression. However, the body itself systematically serves this purpose, amplifying the narcissistic investment in it as a whole.

The Psychoneuroses and Recalcitrance

In other words, the intrapsychic conflict and the attempts to elaborate the problem would gain the central position, and there would be "phantasm and transference neurosis".

It is said that in the current neuroses there is no psychic mediation, such as neurasthenia, hypochondria and anxiety neurosis. With that, the pathology reflects the disturbed sexual economy in a direct way, consequent to an insufficiency or excess of discharge Reality would end up having more importance, so that the conflict is out of reach for the individual.

To date, the intervention of Psychoanalysis remains valuable to the studies of psychosomatic theory. The work of psychosomatic theory remains connected to psychopathology and psychoneurosis, even as we move away from this being a norm.

Concluding remarks about complacency

As you saw above, the meaning of complacency covers a wide range of interpretations The context in which it is placed directly indicates the need for placement at each moment.

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It can be directed toward benevolence, elasticity of internal organs, or expression of internal traumas and ruptures. It is certainly a term to be used more often, given the richness it can bring into our daily lives. Here we have a beautiful example of how to look more into our inner self and how to project ourselves into the world.

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Another way to do this thoroughly is to enroll in our online course on Clinical Psychoanalysis. Not only does it contribute to your self-knowledge, but it can build the tools you need to achieve your success. Through Psychoanalysis classes, you will give easier meaning to events in your routine, including complacency .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.