TRUMP WORLD: WHAT DO WOMEN WANT?

Feminism and the role and rights of women became a central theme of the 2016 presidential election. Trump, since taking office, has acted in ways that directly and adversely affect women. One issue that unites both the women who voted for and those who voted against Trump is the conviction that the world has become a threatening, dangerous, and treacherous place. What is, or could be, the unique contribution of psychoanalysis to this dangerous political climate? What we do have to offer is our expertise as listeners, our ability to hold opposing and even contradictory views in mind simultaneously and our ability to maintain an attitude of neutrality. As such, we are in a position to facilitate dialogue between groups and individuals who have become polarized. Without dialogue, splits become even more extreme and those on the "other side" are increasingly vilified, their views exaggerated.