The Appeal and Behavior of the Ku Klux Klan in Object Relations Perspective

In: Terrorism: an internat. journal, Band 11, Heft 4, S. 247-262

Abstract

The conspicuous & peculiarly ruinous behavior of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) may provide an example of psychosocial pathology that can be usefully analyzed via an extension of object relations theory. Employing the concept pioneered by M. Klein of the split maternal presence (Love, Guilt, and Reparation and Other Works, 1921-1945, New York: Dell Publishing Co, 1975), it is theoretically hypothesized that this split is projected into social life. Some deprived & psychologically damaged adults experience the "maternal presence" of society as split & have special requirements for group support, which may be met by groups like the KKK. In addition, the eruption of group violence of the KKK type may be explainable by analyzing the psychodynamics of group regression to an infantile level & the accompanying arousal of the "unmanageable mother.". 56 References. Modified HA