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🧿intro to literary theory review

Erich Fromm

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Erich Fromm was a prominent German social psychologist, psychoanalyst, and humanistic philosopher known for his work on the nature of love, freedom, and the impact of capitalism on human behavior. His ideas are connected to the Frankfurt School and critical theory, emphasizing how societal structures shape individual psychology and social relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Fromm was a key figure in the Frankfurt School, contributing to its critical theory by analyzing the relationship between society and individual psychology.
  2. He believed that modern capitalist society fosters alienation and loneliness, hindering true human connection and fulfillment.
  3. Fromm emphasized the importance of love as an essential part of personal development and societal health, arguing that it can be cultivated through practice.
  4. His work often combined insights from psychology, sociology, and philosophy, making him a unique thinker in addressing contemporary social issues.
  5. Fromm advocated for a form of socialism that prioritizes human values over profit, seeking to create a society where individuals can thrive emotionally and socially.

Review Questions

  • How did Erich Fromm's ideas contribute to the understanding of individual psychology within the framework of critical theory?
    • Erich Fromm's ideas provided critical insights into how societal structures influence individual psychology. He argued that capitalist societies often lead to alienation, affecting people's ability to form genuine relationships. By linking social conditions with psychological well-being, Fromm expanded critical theory's focus beyond just economic critique to include psychological aspects of human existence.
  • Discuss Fromm's view on love and its significance in both personal development and societal health.
    • Fromm viewed love as an active process that requires effort, understanding, and practice. He believed that love is essential not only for personal development but also for societal health. By fostering genuine connections and nurturing compassion among individuals, Fromm argued that societies could counteract the alienation produced by capitalism and create a more cohesive community.
  • Evaluate how Erich Fromm's critique of capitalism reflects broader themes in the Frankfurt School's critical theory.
    • Fromm's critique of capitalism aligns with broader themes in critical theory by emphasizing how economic systems shape individual behavior and societal norms. He highlighted that capitalism promotes consumerism and alienation, leading to diminished emotional fulfillment. This perspective reinforces critical theory's aim to analyze how power dynamics affect human experience while advocating for transformative social change that prioritizes human values over material gain.