The concept of fetishization refers to the act of assigning an intense importance, desire, or pleasure to an object that is usually considered ordinary or mundane. In the field of psychology, fetishization has been extensively studied and understood as part of human development and behavior. According to psychoanalytic theory, fetishization can be traced back to childhood experiences and early attachment to objects or individuals. This essay will explore how psychological factors such as repression, dissociation, identification, and symbolization contribute to the formation of fetishes during early development.
Psychoanalysis suggests that fetishization occurs due to the repression of unacceptable desires or urges. Freud proposed that children are born with polymorphous perverse desires, meaning they seek sexual gratification from various sources such as their parents, siblings, peers, or even inanimate objects.
These desires are often suppressed due to social norms and cultural taboos, resulting in the creation of a new object of desire.
A young boy who has a sexual attraction towards his mother may develop a fetish for women's shoes to avoid acknowledging this forbidden desire. The creation of a new object of desire serves as a defense mechanism against socially prohibited impulses and allows the individual to maintain a sense of control over their emotions.
Fetishization can also result from the process of dissociation. Dissociation involves the separation of cognitive processes or memories from consciousness, which can lead to the development of fantasies and alternate realities. In the context of fetishism, dissociation is linked to the experience of trauma or abuse in childhood.
An individual who was sexually assaulted by their parent may dissociate from the memory of the event, creating a false reality where the abuser becomes a source of pleasure and power. This fetishized image becomes a substitute for the original object of desire, providing comfort and relief from painful emotions.
Identification plays an essential role in the formation of fetishes during early development. Identification occurs when an individual internalizes aspects of another person's character or behavior, becoming part of them through the process of imitation. According to Freud, children learn about themselves and the world around them by observing significant figures such as parents, caregivers, or peers. If these individuals exhibit unusual behaviors or attachments, the child may incorporate them into their own identity, leading to the development of a fetishistic tendency.
If a child witnesses a parent engaging in sexual activity with a specific object, they may begin to associate it with arousal and excitement, ultimately developing a fetish for that object.
Symbolization refers to the process of assigning meaning to objects or experiences. Through this process, an ordinary object becomes invested with special significance, transforming it into a fetish. Symbolization often occurs in relation to cultural beliefs and social norms, where certain objects are assigned magical properties due to their association with taboo subjects like sex or death. An example would be the use of leather and latex in bondage culture, which can signify dominance and submission, respectively. These associations are formed during early childhood, shaping how individuals view the world and interact with others.
Psychological processes such as repression, dissociation, identification, and symbolization contribute to the formation of fetishes during early development. By understanding these factors, we can gain insight into the complexities of human desire and the ways in which it is influenced by external forces.
Addressing underlying psychological issues can help individuals overcome their fetishes and establish healthy relationships based on mutual respect and consent.
What psychological processes contribute to the formation of fetishes during early development?
Fetishism is a term used to describe an abnormal sexual interest in nonliving objects. It can be considered as one of the paraphilias that are defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a clinical diagnosis for individuals with persistent and intense sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving nonhuman objects, activities, or situations.