tions for a true respect for difference. Psychological and neoreichian thought and practice need to review their theories, to account simultaneously for changes and reproduction of gender patterns, and include new premises within prevention and clinical treatment. In Part II of this article, to be published in the next number of Energy & Character, we will further explore the relation between feminine and masculine sides, this time, within the psychotherapeutic environment, Biosynthesis and the healing arts and, refer to selected examples from Latin America. Notes: (1)Based on papers and Workshops presented at three International Biosynthesis Congresses in: Mayorga, Spain, 2000; Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, 2002 and Lisbon, Portugal, 2006. (2)Defined by Reich (1942) as, a cooperatively organized group or society, without hierarchical control, where each member contributes with her/his abilities, based on natural authority, the authority of what each one creates and develops. He contrasted this, with the ‘emotional plague’, a collective acting out within the social scene of neurotic destructive feelings. (3)I am also a Bioenergetic Analyst 1989 and local Trainer in Bioenergetic Analysis 1992 from the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis, New York and ex-Director of the Society for Bioenergetic Analysis of Argentina (SABRA), 1990-2007. I have been a participant in selected trainings and/or psychotherapy in Core Energetics, Reichian and Posreichian methods, Kelleman´s Somatic approach, Barbara Brennan ´s and Rosalyn Bruyere ´s Hands-on-Healing. (4)Contrary to Freudians, here the central view is that excess energy is not to be sublimated in favour of culture, but that it must be explored and developed through the pleasure principle, for dominant cultural forms to change. (5) Boadella (2000, pages 7-16 ) has attempted a possible answer to some of these type of questions, in relation to character, in an illuminating article. He shows how bipolarity is a basic characteristic of the Universe and how the concept was deployed by a number of philosophers, psychologists and Schools of thought including those of, Pythagoras, Janet, Jung and Reich. (6)For example, many Native American groups, organize themselves through circles and wheels where feminine symbols on fertility are as important as, or even more so, than masculine ones, and there is a simple division of shared labour with less hierarchical traits. (See, for example, Bruyere, R.,1993). (7)Among the exceptions are the writings of Boadella and the Biosynthesis’ latest paradigm. (8) Many more neoreichian authors could have been reviewed here, but it is beyond our scope in this article. See , among others, Kelleman (1987; 2003 ); Cornell (2006); Hilton (1999). (9) For a discussion of Gender and Health in Latin America and internationally , see Acero,L.( 2005; 2006). (10) It found, among other, that: a) Most women used contraceptive methods only after having had a first child. Also, almost half of them used them regularly, but the types of methods chosen were higher risk ones, like: the cap or high-hormone pills. b) Although women kept a certain work continuity, their reproductive functions interfered with their work-cycle more than among men; c) Argentine women, compared to Brazilians, would decide important life events like: marriage, birth control, pregnancy and childrearing, more based on gender stereotypes. d) In both countries, men scarcely contributed to domestic work, even in cases when both sexes were employed full-time. Women extended their working hours to perform domestic tasks, in an average 2 to 4 daily hours, and also during Sundays, while men mainly rested. (11) Abortions are illegal in most countries in the region- even in cases of rape- and they are severely sanctioned by law, including with imprisonment. But they are clandestinely performed in extremely unsafe conditions ( See, for example, Acero, L. (2007); MairaVargas, G., Nazarit,P, and Saez, S. (2008). Bibliography Acero, L. (1991a), Textile workers in Brazil and Argentina: Work and Household Behaviour by Gender and Age, October 1991, United Nations University Press, Japan. Acero, L. (1991b), “Textile workers in Brazil and Argentina: Work and Household Behaviour by Gender and Age”, article in Women, Households and Change, eds. Masini E. and Stratigos S., United Nations University Press, Japan,1991. Acero, L. (1995), “Conflicts between demands in new technologies Demand and women´s households: Female work and training needs in Argentina y Brazil”, in Mitter et.al., Informatics and Female Employment, U.K., Routledge & Keagan, 1995 Acero, L. (2005), “Globalization, Gender and Health: Perspectives in Latin American sexual and reproductive health”, published in Kickbusch,I., Hartwig,K. and List,J. eds. Globalization, Women and Health: Coming to the 21 st. Century, Palgrave Macmillan,2005. Acero,L. (2006), “Engendering Biomedical Research”, Virtual course of Posdoctoral specialization for young women scientists, Regional UNESCO Programme for Women, Science and Technology and Fogarty International, (160 pages) in website: www.catunescomujer.org . Acero, L. (2007), ‘ Genetics and Gender: New Reproductive Technologies in Latin America’” in Atkinson, Greenslade & Glasner (eds.) New Genetics, New Identities, New Social Formations , Routledge, U.K. 2007 . Alan Guttmacher Institute (1999),”Sharing responsibility: women, society and abortion worldwide”, a Special Report, www.agi-usa.org Benjamin, J. (1988), The Bonds of Love: Psychoanalysis, Feminism and the Problem of Domination, New York: Random House. Boadella, D. (2000), ‘Polarity and Character’, International Journal of Biosynthesis, vol.31 (1), pages 7-16. Boadella,D. (1997), ‘Soma, self e fonte’, Energia e Carater, Vol 1, Summus, Sao Paulo. Bowlby, J.(1969), Attachment and Loss: Vol.1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books. Bowlby, (1973), Attachment and Loss: Vol.2. Separation. New York: Basic Bowlby, (1980), Attachment and Loss: Vol.3. Loss. New York: Basic Bruyere, R. (1993), Wheels of Light: Charkas, Auras and the Healing Energy of the Body, Fireside, CA. Butler, J. (2004), Undoing Gender, Routledge: New York. Cornell,W. (2006), ‘Entering the gestural field: The body in relation’, Energy and Character, 32, pp.45-55. Traducción por Ps. André Sassenfeld J. ( en manual traducido al español) Downing,G. (2000), The Body and the Word, version inédita en ingles, Capitulo 2 y 3, pp. 6-20. Freud,S. (1905), Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality, PFL 7, Harmondsworth. Penguin 1977. Freud,S. (1931), Female Sexuality, PFL 7, Harmondsworth: Penguin 1977. Freud,S. (1933), ‘Femininity’, in New Introductory Lectures, PFL 2, Harmondsworth: Penguin 1973. Hilton,R.(1999), ‘The passion and the person: Reich meets Winnicott’, Journal of Bioenergetic Analysis, 10 (2),1-16. 54 Liliana Acero Feminity, Gender and Essence in Body-Psychotherapy Part I: Reflections on theory, clinical and teaching experience
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