Final answer:
Criticism of Freud and psychoanalysis includes accusations of non-empirical methods akin to shamanism, reinforcing oppressive state control, and patriarchal bias. Notwithstanding, Freud's legacy endures in the emphasis on early childhood and unconscious motivations in modern psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Criticisms Against Freud and Psychoanalysis
Some of the criticisms against Freud and psychoanalysis have been robust over the years. Post-structuralists argue that Freud's ideas, particularly pertaining to the subconscious and universal structures of the mind, cannot be empirically proven and are unobservable, drawing comparisons to less scientific methods of healing. Critics such as French philosopher Gilles Deleuze have even accused psychoanalysis of being a tool for oppressive state control. From a feminist perspective, theorists like Luce Irigaray criticize psychoanalysis for being built on a patriarchal understanding, with Freud's work often seen as excluding women or treating them as problematic.
Despite these criticisms, it's important to note that Freud's emphasis on early childhood experiences and the unconscious mind has had a lasting influence on psychology. His approach paved the way for developments like the acknowledgment of unconscious versus conscious motivations. However, modern research largely disputes Freud's psychosexual stages and other specific theories as explanations for personality development.
Ultimately, many of Freud's ideas have not been supported by modern research, yet his contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in understanding the unconscious mind and highlighting the significance of childhood experiences, are recognized as foundational.