Paternal function and group analysis as a reverse symmetry of conductor (father) and group (mother): the prospects after Foulkes and Bion*

In this chapter, the author presents some of the observations resulting from a long-term study, the aim of which is to encourage fresh discussion and a redefinition of the issue of paternity in group analysis. He investigates the role of the father by showing that the paternal function, as optimally enacted by the conductor of the group-analytic group, according to the views of Levi-Strauss on the way in which these functions are performed in primitive societies. The author addresses the ontological and epistemological principles on the basis of which W. R. Bion and S. H. Foulkes, through S. Freud, approach the issue, and, ultimately, to open up a new perspective by taking constructive advantage of similar lines of thought by Lacan and Levi-Strauss. The theoretical and clinical foundation for the paternal function, is a major issue in group analysis, together with the foundation for the maternal function as performed by the group and alternately by the therapist.