Ideal Ego (Ideal du Moi) and Ego Ideal (Moi Idéal)

“Ideal Ego” (Ideal du Moi) and “Ego Ideal” (Moi Idéal)

“Ideal Ego” (Ideal du Moi) and “Ego Ideal” (Moi Idéal) are concepts rooted in the classical psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud. In Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalysis, the “Ideal Ego” and “Ego Ideal” relate to the structure of the subject and its relationship with the symbolic and imaginary orders.

The “Ego Ideal” is a symbolic instance in the subject’s structure, from which the subject perceives themselves as worthy of recognition – an ideal that the subject strives to match.
The “Ego Ideal” is formed through the internalization of the desires of others (especially the mother), paternal law, norms, societal demands, and values, as well as language. The subject evaluates themselves through the lens of the “Ego Ideal”, which directs their desires in a certain direction.
Example: “I must be a good son” or “I must be successful, as my parents expect.” This is the ideal through which the subject assesses their actions.

The “Ideal Ego” is an imaginary instance, the perfect image of oneself – the image of perfection that the subject aspires to.
The “Ideal Ego” is formed from feelings of fragmentation or lack and compensating for these experiences through identification with imaginary images. A key role in this process is played by the mirror stage (stade du miroir), when the child first perceives their reflection as a whole image. However, the “Ideal Ego” is shaped not only by the imaginary reflection but also within the context of symbolic structuring, which follows the mirror stage.
Function: The “Ideal Ego” is linked to narcissistic desire – the wish to identify with wholeness and perfection. Often, this image becomes the source of fantasies and can lead to conflicts with reality.
Example: When a child sees themselves in the mirror and imagines their completeness and perfection, this image forms the basis of the “Ideal Ego.”

The Difference Between “Ego Ideal” and “Ideal Ego” in Lacan

The “Ego Ideal” belongs to the symbolic order (the system of language, law, and social demands) and serves as a reference point for moral evaluation and the desire for recognition, from which the subject judges themselves.
The “Ideal Ego” belongs to the imaginary order (narcissistic images and fantasies) and represents the idealized image of oneself – the image of perfection the subject strives for through fantasies and narcissism.

The Conflict Between “Ego Ideal” and “Ideal Ego”

Social expectations (“Ego Ideal”) may contradict narcissistic aspirations for perfection (“Ideal Ego”), creating internal conflict and tension within the subject.