Explain two criticisms of Freudian theory.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

From a scientific view, a major problem with psychoanalytic theory is that most of its concepts cannot be evaluated scientifically to see whether they are accurate. There is so much emphasis on unconscious desires, which cannot be observed, measured, or tested, making it impossible to evaluate the validity of the theory. Another criticism that is often raised is that Freud derived his ideas almost exclusively from work with patients who sought therapy, failing to describe typically or psychologically well women. Many modern psychologists argue that Freud overemphasized biological determinants of human behavior and underemphasized social or cultural forces shaping behavior. Feminists have been critical of Freud’s assumption that the clitoris and vagina are inferior to the penis, arguing that Freudian theory is phallocentric.