The psychoanalytic theory states that humans pass through five stages of psychosexual development, each focused on a different body part. These are the oral stage, anal stage, phallic stage, latency stage, and genital stage. During these stages, individuals learn how to satisfy their basic needs related to survival and reproduction.
In times of scarcity or deprivation, however, people may have difficulty progressing through these stages due to lack of access to necessary resources.
Children who grow up without enough food or care may become preoccupied with finding ways to satisfy their hunger and safety needs instead of developing healthy attachments and identities. This can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression later in life.
During the oral stage, infants experience pleasure from feeding and sucking, so they develop an attachment to objects that provide nourishment. In conditions of scarcity, this attachment may be disrupted if babies do not receive adequate nutrition. They may feel anxious or even angry when trying to find sources of comfort and security. As adults, they may struggle with trust issues, controlling behaviors, and addictions.
During the anal stage, toddlers learn about control and boundaries by exploring their bowel movements and bodily functions. Deprivation during this time could result in difficulty regulating emotions and impulse control. Adults may exhibit obsessive-compulsive traits or engage in risky behavior as a way of taking charge over their environment.
The phallic stage involves discovering one's gender identity and exploring sexual urges. If there is insufficient parental support for this process, individuals may experience confusion or insecurity around their own bodies and desires. This can manifest in relationships with others, where they may seek power or avoid intimacy altogether.
In the latency stage, children begin to identify with peers rather than parents and explore new interests outside of the home. Without access to education or recreational activities, however, they may become fixated on survival instead of developing a sense of self. This can cause problems with socialization and creativity as adults.
In the genital stage, people begin to establish long-term romantic relationships and have sexually mature experiences. Under conditions of deprivation, this development may be delayed or stunted due to lack of opportunity or confidence. Individuals may turn to fantasy or risk-taking behaviors instead of forming meaningful connections with others.
Psychosexual development requires adequate resources and support from caregivers. When these are limited, individuals may struggle with feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression that affect all areas of life. They may also develop coping mechanisms that interfere with healthy relationships and personal growth. It is important for society to address issues of scarcity and promote access to basic needs in order to support healthy psychological development.
How does psychosexual development proceed under scarcity or deprivation?
Psychosexual development is a concept that was developed by Sigmund Freud, who proposed that human sexual behavior could be understood as arising from five stages of development in which each stage represents a different type of sexual gratification. According to him, scarcity or deprivation can negatively impact this process because it might prevent individuals from experiencing certain pleasures at critical moments during their development, thus delaying or even hindering their ability to transition to the next stage.