ABSTRACT
How do cultural complexes affect the collective psyche?
Based on Jung's theory of complexes, this book offers a new perspective on the psychological nature of conflicts between groups and cultures by introducing the concept of the cultural complex. This modern version of Jung's idea offers an original view of the forces that prevent human attempts to bring a peaceful, collaborative spirit to conflict between groups.
Leading analysts and academics from a range of cultural backgrounds present their own perspective on the concept, demonstrating how the effects of cultural complexes can be felt in the behaviour of disenfranchised, oppressed and traumatised groups across the world. Ultimately, a clearer understanding of the source and nature of group conflict is reached through discussion of central subjects including:
* Collective trauma and cultural complexes
* Exploring racism: a clinical example of a cultural complex
* Cultural complexes in the history of Jung, Freud and their followers.
The Cultural Complex represents a valuable contribution to analytical psychology and will undoubtedly also stimulate dialogue in the fields of sociology, political science and cultural studies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |2 pages
PART I The cultural complex in the psyche of the group
chapter 1|22 pages
The cultural complex and archetypal defenses of the group other holy wars (with special attention to “the axis of evil”)
chapter 3|16 pages
A long weekend: Alice Springs, Central Australia
chapter 6|12 pages
Trauma and abuse
chapter 7|12 pages
Postmodern consciousness in the novels of Haruki Murakami: an emerging cultural complex
chapter 9|21 pages
What does it mean to be in “The West”?
part |2 pages
PART II The cultural complex in the psyche of the group and the individual
part |2 pages
PART II I The cultural complex in the psyche of the individual: clinical cases
part |2 pages
PART IV The cultural complex and individuation of the group