Article summary for Literature Review(6)

Varvin, S. 2020. Gender, family, and intergenerational transmission of traumatisation. Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in China.

The article examines how traditional values intertwined with the rapid socio-economic transformations impact the psychological well-being of individuals across generations, emphasizing the intersectionality of gender, family obligations, and trauma.

Key points:

Socio-Economic and Cultural Landscape:

Varvin contextualizes China's dramatic shift from a primarily agrarian society to a global economic powerhouse following the economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978. This transformation has not only lifted millions from poverty but also instigated profound social and familial tensions as modern aspirations clash with traditional Confucian values centered around filial piety and gender roles.

Gender and Hierarchical Family Structures:

The paper delves into the rigid hierarchical structures within the Chinese family, where filial piety (孝, xiào) commands a central place, enforcing a gendered division of responsibilities and privileges. These traditional prescriptions demand that younger generations care for their elders, with males typically receiving preferential treatment over females in terms of inheritance and familial duties.

Clinical Reflections on Gender Identity and Familial Dynamics:

Through clinical vignettes, Varvin illustrates the complex challenges faced by individuals struggling with their gender identities within the context of rigid traditional norms. The case studies reveal how these cultural prescriptions can exacerbate mental health issues, such as depression and identity crises, especially when individuals' personal experiences conflict with societal expectations.

Transgenerational Impact of Historical Traumas:

The article asserts that China's turbulent history, including the Cultural Revolution and other political upheavals, continues to cast a long shadow over the current generations. Varvin suggests that the traumas experienced by previous generations permeate family dynamics and individual psychologies, complicating the emotional and relational landscapes of descendants.

Theoretical Implications for Psychoanalysis:

Varvin critically engages with the application of Western psychoanalytic theories to the Chinese context, arguing that these may not fully capture the specific dynamics at play in Chinese families and society. He advocates for a more culturally nuanced approach in psychoanalytic practice and theory development, emphasising the need to integrate understanding of local cultural and historical contexts.

Methodological and Ethical Considerations:

The discussion also touches on the methodological challenges of studying deeply personal and culturally sensitive topics such as family and gender identity in a rapidly changing society. Varvin calls for ethical sensitivity and adaptability in clinical practice, proposing that psychoanalytic practitioners must attune themselves to the cultural specificities and evolving needs of their patients.

Conclusion: Varvin's article emphasis that underscores the intricate ways in which gender, family, and historical traumas interlink to shape individual experiences and identities in modern China. It highlights the necessity for psychoanalysis and related disciplines to evolve by incorporating a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts that influence psychological development and family dynamics.

Relative to my research:

This article provides crucial insights into the cultural and familial contexts of Chinese society, particularly regarding the roles and expectations imposed on women within familial hierarchies influenced by traditional Confucian values. These insights are directly applicable to my research on the trauma in mother-daughter relationships under Chinese patriarchy, as Varvin's exploration of gender identity development. This connection highlights the relevance of historical and familial traumas in shaping the psychological landscapes of succeeding generations, enriching the cultural backdrop against. Besides, Varvin's critical perspective on the application of Western psychoanalytic theories to the Chinese context and his call for culturally sensitive methodologies. His emphasis on the need for a contextually grounded theoretical framework can guide my own methodological considerations.