Horney’s Theory 9

The title of Chapter 11 of “Neurosis and Human Development” is “Resignation—Seeking Freedom.”

Unlike the expansionist (dominating others) and contracting (subordinate to others) types, “resignation” individuals distance themselves from others and the outside world, retreating into their own world to avoid involvement.

What “resignation” individuals value most is freedom, but this is not the positive freedom of “doing something,” but rather the negative freedom of freedom from constraints and obligations, and freedom from external demands and pressures.

Horney states that “resignation” individuals grew up in closed upbringing environments where the expression of desires and individuality was suppressed.

In such environments, children develop a detached, retreating attitude to protect their inner lives.

The main elements characterizing the resolution of “resignation” are as follows:

• Withdrawal of desires: To avoid domination by others, they view having actual desires as dangerous and suppress their needs.

• Emotional Distance: In relationships with others, they maintain distance to avoid emotional involvement, thus avoiding intimacy and dependence.

• Self-Fulfillment: They prioritize independence based on the principle that “if I don’t ask for anything from others, I won’t be bothered.”

The lifestyles of “resigned” individuals can fall into three categories:

1. Persistent Resignation: While they can maintain some degree of social life and productive activities, they perceive these as burdensome, experiencing much of daily life as meaningless and stressful.

2. Rebelliousness: They actively rebel against external and internal circumstances, but while this rebellion may provide catharsis, it does not lead to true self-actualization.

3. Superficial Living: They avoid passion and deep bonds, living a superficial life.

Horney’s concern with “resignation” is not mature acceptance, but rather a retreat for self-preservation, based on the idea that “it’s impossible anyway” and “expecting anything will only lead to hurt.” This is an attitude of avoiding pain by cutting off interest in and desires for the outside world.

Horney argues that neurotic resignation, while appearing to be freedom, is actually a loss of self. True freedom can only be achieved by reclaiming self-understanding and an independent way of life.

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