Changes in identity from a psychoanalytic standpoint

"Identity" is seen as a very broad spread and unclear conception. In times of social and political changes powerful shifts of definitions and self-exp eriences of identity become apparent. Only since the fifties psychoanalytic al theorists have dealt with the conception of identity, i.e. within a peri od of individual and social insecurity after the Second World War. An explo ration of identity change of these days especially of the German society de als with external radical changes but also with intrapsychical changes, whi ch can be connected with readjustment to nursing habits and with an often o bserved disapperance of paternal principles. "Identity" also deserves speci al attention as a spring hostility to foreigners and of antisemitism. There cannot be recommended a "therapy" against today's difficulties of identity ; instead it is importent to promote personal and public competence of thin king and reflection in favour of advantage of identity in its progressive a nd regressive movements.