“Men and women: symbol, myth, and gender equality”

Abstract

Unlike Freud, Adler was not attracted by the centrality of the libidinal drive in Freudian theory. Adler proposed a psychology based on the role (of men and women) and lifestyle, interpreted as an expression of a personal and creative search, oriented towards a goal. According to Adler, the individual is involved in a process of original creation, in which myth, ritual, and intentionality merge to define their life path.
Western men and women, while often remaining tied to traditional roles influenced by socio-cultural reflections of the past, possess a creative potential that manifests itself in a continuous search for identity. This identity cannot be conceived solely as individual pleasure, but also finds meaning in the social dimension. For Adler, sexuality is not an isolated instinctual drive, but a ‘psychosexuality’ integrated into the unique experiences of each individual, rooted in the relational and social context in which they live.
This perspective introduces a new approach to relationships between men and women, especially at a time when traditional roles are being questioned. It calls for the recognition of equal rights as a common goal, promoting greater awareness and dialogue in the construction of human relationships