Abstract
The research and publications of Carl Jung (1875 to 1961), Sigmund Freud (1856 to 1939), Jean Piaget (1896 to 1980), Lev Vygotsky (1896 to 1934), and Alexander Luria (1902 to 1977) are well known in psychology and education. But who inspired some of the ideas, theories, and research of these noted scientists of the 20th century? The answer is Sabina Spielrein. Spielrein knew these men intimately. She was the first patient of Carl Jung at Burgholzli Hospital, a member of Freud’s inner circle of psychoanalysts in Vienna, the psychoanalyst of Jean Piaget, and the mentor and teacher of Vygotsky and Luria. This article describes the influence Sabina Spielrein had on the lives and works of these five men. After answering the question, “who was Sabina Spielrein?” this article explores how Spielrein inspired and influenced some of the theories of Jung, Freud, Piaget, Vygotsky and Luria as well as helped set the agenda for their research. The article concludes with suggestions for how we can honor and include other women whose works have been marginalized as well as how to work for gender equity, particularly in the area of intellectual property.
Key words: Women, marginalized, history, psychology, psychoanalysis.
