ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I discuss envy in terms of the theory and concept of the social unconscious. Envy is an “abject emotion.” Those who envy are always “they” and never “us.” Envious others are considered immoral and ill-intentioned. The word “envy” originates in the Latin Invidia, which means looking at another person with the evil eye. The condemnation of envy crystallized in its definition as a sin in catholic Christianity, and in the context of a class-based society, the members of the privileged class use this in order to preserve their rights and supremacy. The members of the privileged class attribute it to those others who seek to deprive them of their rights. An accusation along the lines of “they envy us” becomes part of an ideology of victimhood linked to myths in the national history. Envy is grounded in desire, and in a normal, primary and un-impinged experience of entitlement. Normally, individuals are capable of transforming envy into inspiration for personal development, self-actualization and measuring up. One of the most effective measures of social oppression is actively to impair this fundamental experience of entitlement. People who do not feel that they deserve more will not act in order to obtain more. However, any stable group affiliation restores and reinforces the experience of entitlement for its members.
