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In this paper, it is my intention to show how Lacan's theory of phobia, as exposed in his fourth seminar on object relations with specific regard to the Little Hans case, deals with space in terms that are not simply analogical. Not only does Lacan produce in this work a topography of phobia, a description of the places of phobia, but he also proposes that phobia, as a particular form of symbolization, is a topology, literally a signifying logos that creates space for the phobic subject. In addition to this, I also aim to sketch briefly the outlines of a possible dialogue between Lacan's topological notion of phobia and Mike Davis's fascinating redefinition of the contemporary late-capitalist Western metropolis, especially Los Angeles, as a constellation of phobic objects.Subjectivity (2008) 24, 298–313. doi:10.1057/sub.2008.25 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the transplantation of psychoanalysis from Europe to Los Angeles and the similarities and differences in followers, cultural attitudes, institutional organization, and patient symptoms. Psychoanalysis in both places attracted psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, artists, writers, and movie people, all committed to “modernism” and cultural change. But special American conditions created greater institutional rigidity, medicalization, and a more diffuse patient symptomatology centered on the maternal relationship. Such conditions also fostered bitter disputes over modifications of psychoanalytic theory and practice which have only recently become less acute as the status of psychoanalysis has declined in America. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]