Fetishism: meaning in Freud and Psychoanalysis

George Alvarez 04-08-2023
George Alvarez

You know what it is fetishism For, although it is becoming an increasingly popular subject, there are still many taboos about the subject. So, the truth is that to understand the concept behind this practice it is necessary to go back to one's childhood.

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In this sense, Sigmund Freud was the first to delve into the origins of the fetish. Thus, his studies were essential to understand how adult behavior is linked to childhood moments. With this in mind, we bring you a theoretical analysis of what fetishism is according to Freud.

In addition, we will also explain the importance of the term for Psychoanalysis today. So, check it out below!

What is fetishism?

Fetishism consists of the adoration of a specific object or body part, but when it refers to sexual acts. However, for some theorists, this concept can be associated with a religious practice, based on object worship.

In this context, the followers of the practice believe that certain objects possess spiritual powers. Therefore, their worship and adoration involves magic and rituals, as well as other works related to beliefs in superior entities.

However, the fetishism that society talks about most often is tied to sexual desires. So, it is important to point out that there is this duality of meaning when discussing the subject. Thus, the very origin of the fetish becomes a taboo when related to the infantile aspect.

However, the study of children's sexuality is an essential factor when analyzing personality formation. In this way, both the meaning of the term and the discoveries of Psychoanalysis are necessary to arrive at Freud's concept. Thus, these two elements are studied in a broad way.

Meaning of fetishism

The meaning of fetishism comes from the word spell. From this we understand the relationship of the term to religiosity and the worship of something. However, this is not the only point to be evaluated in order to understand the issue.

According to some scholars, the act of fetish can be normal or pathological. So it is common for all people, especially men, to develop fetishes at some point in their lives. In general, this tends to happen unconsciously.

Therefore, the explanation for the inclination to certain fetishes tends to be much more complex. Moreover, it may involve primary experiences. After all, the eroticization of objects or body parts can be linked to events that the individual does not even remember.

From the Freudian point of view, the sexual fetish makes an important connection to the individual and his family relationship. That said, it is worth looking at what the theory says to understand more about certain behaviors of a person.

Fetishism for Freud

In this sense, according to Freud, the fetish begins when the boy discovers that his mother does not have a penis. This event is therefore called "castration of the mother". To suppress the absence of this sexual element in the female figure, the boy arouses the sexual adoration of another object.

As mentioned, this worship can also be aimed at a specific body part, so some examples are people who have fetishes in feet, neck and back. Furthermore, the practice of anal sex can also be a fetishization.

It is worth remembering that women are indeed capable of developing fetishes, although Freudian studies emphasize the male fetish. However, the repression of female sexuality ends up inhibiting the manifestation of this type of behavior. So it is worth checking out what nymphomania is all about.

On the fear of one's own castration

It turns out that fetishism can also be a defense mechanism, that is, the protection of your sexuality. For, according to Freud, the boy has his first sexual references in the maternal look. Therefore, the castration of the mother generates fear.

This is because the child associates that the same thing can happen to him. Thus, he imagines that he can "lose" his penis in a certain imaginary situation. Therefore, other elements come into play to reaffirm his masculinity.

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For this reason, it is common that fetishes do not always involve penetration, or even acts related in a direct way to the penis. That is, practices involving your partner's feet, for example, can become a fetish and cause excitement.

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Knowing this, sexual desire, as far as the fetish is concerned, escapes from the natural concepts of eroticism. From this arise fantasies, toys and practices that can often be seen as weird by society.

Therefore, handcuffs, whips, and gags are the most common. However, this worship can also be done with the eroticization of professions through clothing or simulation. And, these situations are common and within the standard of normality.

Fetishism in Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis has fundamental theories for the investigation of human perversity. So, in the case of fetishism, the practices are also associated with the perverse side of the individual However, we point out that perversity is something proper to the human being.

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In this way, the choice of objects and body parts to be more eroticized is given a value attribute for the person. Thus, this process happens unconsciously, but brings traces of possible situations experienced with the mother.

So, for some scholars, the fetish object may be the one the boy had the first contact with after maternal castration. All this reveals important traits of the fetishist's personality, his preferences and behaviors within romantic and casual relationships.

When does the fetish become a disease?

Therefore, a person lives in search of obtaining pleasure with ease. Moreover, he never tires of going after what attracts him. Then, your efforts are not measured to achieve what you want. Soon, she aims to fulfill her fantasies, even if they are quite unusual.

With this understanding, Psychoanalysis understands the pathological fetishist as one who uses these resources to avoid anguish Thus, frustration and the idea of castration are also camouflaged by sexual satisfaction, including with substitute objects.

Final considerations about fetishism

So, we hope that this article has helped you to better understand the studies about fetishism, that it is more than a sexual practice. This is because the concept is an important source of information for a person's Psychological evaluation.

Therefore, behind the fetishism, there may be deeper layers, that is, forgotten anguishes and traumas. This is why psychological counseling is necessary to understand the root of the desires.

So, to learn more about fetishism This way, you will learn several theories about the human mind, and with the best teachers and certificate, you will finish your training ready to help others. So, don't miss this chance and enroll now!

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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.