Can the theories of McGilchrist and Žižek help in undertanding and responding to ideological influences on the state delivery of psycho-social care?

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Hanson, M, 2018. Can the theories of McGilchrist and Žižek help in undertanding and responding to ideological influences on the state delivery of psycho-social care? DSocPrac, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

In The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist proposes that an intrinsic aspect of human neurology has an undue influence on shaping culture and that this particular trait manifests itself in opposition to spirituality, art and the body. I examine these domains to find evidence for the cultural processes he warns of. I also draw on Lacanian theory, via the work of Slavoj Žižek, as a general template to map out the ideological landscape in which the features McGilchrist identifies are played out. I have limited the use of Lacanian theory so that there can be a space for the development of McGilchrist's ideas.

The thesis looks at aspects of culture that manifest this ideological process and focuses on the delivery of psycho-social healthcare as an exemplar of it, on how overt statements of beneficence are ideologically grounded. State delivery of psycho-social care ignores the assumptions on which its methods are founded. This thesis addresses that lack. Any attempt to promote a definitive solution to this situation could become yet another ideological structure that merely compounds the problem. I look for a solution in areas beyond the symbolic network utilised by an ideology, areas that correspond to the Lacanian Real. In the daily lived experience of a subject, this can also be translated as the esoteric.

I explore concepts found in mystic traditions, whether religiously grounded or of a more secular nature. I conclude that their practical application becomes ideologically corrupted if they are overly prescriptive, but they do show the potential for individual subjects to prepare for the singular events that sometimes rupture the standing order. With suitable preparation, individuals stand a better chance of using such events to change their circumstances for the better.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Hanson, M.
Date:	July 2018
Rights:	This work is the intellectual property of the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the owners of the Intellectual Property Rights.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	31 Oct 2018 10:33
Last Modified:	31 Oct 2018 10:33
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/34818