The International Erich Fromm Society, founded in 1985, aims to promote a lively dialogue with Fromm’s intellectual legacy. It serves to maintain, research, develop and pass on Erich Fromm’s scholarly findings and ideas.

We are not, however, concerned only with the reflection of Fromm’s intellectual legacy. Of equal importance is grappling with questions that arise from the reference of Fromm’s works to current societal problems. In this way, Fromm’s humanistic thought and action  can show us the ways and means to shape our society more humanely and to protect our environment in a more sustainable way. We try to approach these goals from different levels:

Conferences

 Erich Fromm’s findings and ideas are generally conveyed at themed yearly conferences. These conferences are—as most other events—also accessible to non-members. The same is true for 2 to 3-day seminars, workshops and study groups pertaining to certain themes. For more information, see Events.

Study Groups

Work specific to certain issues takes place in study groups that meet two to three times per year. The study groups are not only concerned with learning Fromm’s thought, but also with updating, supplementing, and expanding upon it. Interested persons are welcome and should contact the coordinators of the study groups directly for the most updated firsthand information regarding the meetings. For more information, see Study Groups.

Members

The International Erich Fromm Society currently has about 650 members worldwide, of which just under two-thirds come from German-speaking countries. The rest are spread around the world. Most North American and Central American, Italian and Spanish members are Psychoanalysts. Among the German-speaking members, the spectrum of careers is vast and spans all levels of education.

Executive Board and Advisory Board

The Executive Board represents the Society both internally and externally. The Board is made up of three directors, and is elected by the General Assembly for a term of three years. The Advisory Board has four members, who support the Executive Board academically. It is elected by the General Assembly for four years at a time, and serves the Executive Board in an advisory capacity.