How Do We Transform our Large-Group Identities?

Abstract

While Jung was particularly critical of groups, he also had a vision of humans as a selfaware, problem-solving being. In this paper I explore his interest in and critique of, or prejudice against, groups. I raise the issue of whether it is possible to transform consciously our large-group identities, thus making them more morally responsive to the conditions they find themselves in. I focus specifically on recent social science research regarding the psychocultural function of emotion and group theory and practice that could be used by a new generation of “psychocultural practitioners” to develop the theory and practices of large-group transformation that would aid in the moral development of a group’s conscience. I also propose that the Jungian communities could participate in the founding of such a distinctive vocation, which would formalize numerous informal and innovative practices that many are already engaged in.