Full Description
The Group Dimension presents a thorough exploration of the history and theory of the group dimension, particularly in the context of modern capitalist society.
The book traces the development of capitalism from feudalism, where the first polis groups can be identified, and describes the growth of the power of the state prescribed by John Maynard Keynes to form neoliberalism. Bacha then explores the deep history of human groups, examines how our brains are built for and by multibody interactions and understandings, and provides an overview of our knowledge of groups, building on findings from group analysis. The book concludes by exploring how an understanding of groups, their facilitation and their consciousness redefines current individualistic and autistic 'freedom', to build the new world through dialogue.
The Group Dimension will be essential reading for anyone involved in groups, as practitioners or clients. It will also be of interest to readers looking to learn more about groups in the context of modern politics, social and liberation movements.
Contents
List of illustrations
Forewords
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction: The evolution of capitalism and the group dimension
PART I: Capitalism and the time of monsters
1. It was not always like this
2. Keynes and Keynesianism
PART II: Neoliberalism: Hayek and the Mont Pelerin Society
3. Hayek as a response to Keynes
4. The strange fruits of neoliberalism
PART III: The story of how humans evolved is the story of the group dimension
5. Freedom before humans
6. Early humans
PART IV: The social brain
7. Jaak Panksepp and his unique contribution
8. The basic feelings: Seeking, Fear, Rage
9. The relational feelings: Lust and Care
10. Panic/Grief, Play, integration and social homeostasis
PART IV: Figurations and groups
11. Seeking is the foundational feeling of life
12. The role of groups in everyday life: Synthesis with Panksepp
