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Chapter 4: Problem 3

Adler argues that social interest should establish the guidelines for proper personality development, rather than a superego. (a) Is this idea likely to be readily accepted in this country? (b) Give a real-life example of a person, or group of people, whose striving for superiority is lacking in social interest and harmful to society.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Acceptance of Adler's theory will depend on societal and cultural perceptions in this country. An example of harmful striving for superiority can be seen in dictatorial regimes, which often lack the social interest that Adler deemed necessary for proper personality development.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Concepts

Adler's theory that social interest, compassion and cooperation for the well-being of others, is necessary for proper personality development contrasts with Freud's theory of the superego, which argues that morality, not social interest, guides personal growth.
02

Question Analysis - National Acceptance

The acceptance of Adler's theory over Freud's in a certain country would depend on the country's cultural and societal norms. Some societies may prioritize individual growth and superiority, aligning more with Freud, while others may focus on societal cooperation, aligning more with Adler's social interest theory.
03

Personal Opinion on Acceptance

Speculating on this country's acceptance of Adler's theory: According to studies and observations, there might be mixed reactions. Some segments of the population who advocate for community well-being might agree with Adler, while others who place great importance on individualism and personal achievement might disagree.
04

Real-life Example of Harmful Superiority Striving

A real-life example of harmful superiority striving could be any dictatorial regime. These individuals or groups show extreme cases of striving for superiority in a way that lacks social interest, to the point of being harmful to society as a whole.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How might Adler's personality and life experiences have influenced his belief that: (a) conscious and unconscious act together to serve a person's chosen goals, and personality is not torn by painful inner conflicts? (b) introspectiveness is one of the characteristics with which the "weakling" seeks to defend himself? (c) inherited instincts are a "superstition" and have no effect on personality? (d) unhealthy character traits (such as arrogance and shyness) and anxiety are "cheap tricks" for avoiding life's difficulties, whereas neurosis is also an "easy way of escape?"

Adler argues that brilliant children should be placed in regular school classes, and not in gifted classes, so they can accelerate the progress of less capable students. (a) What personal reasons might Adler have had for such a belief? (b) Do you agree? Why or why not?

Give an example from real life, or from a well-known novel, to show how "fictions" can strongly influence behavior.

A terrorist blows up a building in a hated foreign country. How might Adler explain this behavior?

Give an example from your own life, from the life of someone you know well, or from fiction to illustrate: (a) how pampering leads to a painful inferiority complex, (b) how neglect leads to a painful inferiority complex, (c) how an inferiority complex may be concealed beneath a superiority complex, (d) how an organ inferiority can lead to a painful inferiority complex, (e) a person who rejects social interest by "[building] a wall around himself [so as] to be secure in the possession of his wretched treasures,"(f) a healthy style of life.
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