Carl Jung's Influence On Social Work
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes” (Jung, N.D). I had come across this quote on countless occasions and felt inspired by the saying, but it’s not until now that I can see the deep and beautiful meaning behind Carl Jung’s statement and what exactly he meant by his inspiring words. Carl Jung was the founder of analytical psychology; he was a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and an iconic writer. Jung’s research and teachings have made a profound impact on the field of psychology and has influenced many other areas of study such as religion, music, art, drama and literature. Much of his work is still seen and used and continues to make a tremendous impact today. In order to be an effective well educated social worker we must recognize and utilize Jung’s theorie. Understanding analytical psychology, how Jung’s childhood impacted his theory, the influence the theory has at the micro, macro, and messo levels, and how the theory relates to the values and ethics of the social work profession, will lead
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to having a better understanding on how to use the theory and will lead to the best effective care I as a future social worker can offer using this theory.
Description of Theory Carl Jung’s analytical theory incorporates many elements from fields such as religion, theology, medicine, and psychology. This in turn is what makes up Jung’s theory. The key concepts in Jung’s analytical theory are the ego, the personal unconscious, collective unconscious, archetypes, and personality types (Nystul, 2011, pg. 183). In Jung’s theory, the ego is what is at the center of the consciousness and is made up of memories, perceptions, feelings, and thought. The ego is essentially what provides structure and direction in people’s lives. The personal unconscious is another key concept, which is what contains personal thoughts and experiences that have been repressed or forgotten and that have the potential to become conscious again (Nystul, 2011, pg. 183). The personal unconscious is what contains complexes that revolve around themes. Another key concept is the collective unconscious, which is the part of the mind that contains memories and experiences inherited from an individual’s ancestors.
Another of Jung’s key concepts is archetypes. Archetypes are mythological themes that represent a various number of conflicts that individuals must work through in order to reach self-awareness. These archetypes included the persona, the anima and animus, the shadow, and the self. The final key concept in Jung’s theory is personality types. In Jung’s theory, personality types are differentiated by attitudes and functions (Nystul, 2011, pg. 184). The two types of attitudes in Jung’s theory are introverted and extroverted. An individual has both these attitudes, but there is a dominant one in each of us. The last part of the personality types are the functions. Jung identified four functions in his theory; they are thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition (Nystul, 2011, pg. 184). Individuals use and rely on these functions to react to situations. Just like the attitudes, in the functions there is a superior one in each individual. These key concepts of the ego, the personal unconscious, collective unconscious, archetypes, and personality types are what make up Jung’s analytical theory. These concepts are what make Jung stand out from all the rest. All of these concepts are becoming increasingly popular throughout time. Jung’s famous theory was highly influenced by his childhood and earlier life.
Application to Author Carl Gustav Jung was born on July 26, 1875 in Kesswil, Switzerland to Paul Achilles Jung and Emilie Preiswerk. Jung’s father was a pastor in the Swiss reformed church, and his mother was a home maker (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). Since Jung’s father was a pastor, it is believed that this is what could have possibly contributed to his fondness of religion and the influence it played on his theory. Jung had a better relationship and deeper connection with his father. His mother was said to be a depressed woman and an absent parent who was regularly looked after by his father. This can possibly explain his patriarchal view and attitude towards woman. As a young man Jung became interested in mythology, philosophy, religion, history, literature, and archaeology (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). This explains why many of these fields of study are seen in his analytical theory. Jung went on to receive a medical degree from the University of Basel in 1900 and then went on to specialize in psychiatry. It was in 1907 when Jung had his first encounter with Sigmund Freud (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). They had many areas of common interest, Jung and Freud established a very close partnership and relationship. Freud highly believed that Jung was going to be his future successor. Eventually Jung began to differ with Freud in many aspects of his theory, and in 1914 broke away from Freud (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). Even though the two ultimately split, Jung was highly influenced by Freud’s theory’s and in many cases Jung’s theory is seen as a branch off of Freud’s theory. At this point Jung created his own school of psychology, which is now called analytical psychology. So to conclude, much of Jung’s childhood experiences and family had a tremendous impact on his development ant theory. One of the most influential influences for Jung was Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalytic theory. All of these factors are what made him the man he was and what helped him develop his theory.
Micro, Meso, and Macro Influences Carl Jung’s analytical theory can be seen at all 3 levels in the Macro-Micro continuum. Being that Jung’s theory overlaps between the macro, meso, and micro levels, it is the most useful in the micro level. According to Robbins (2012), “Micro level theories are generally more concrete and specific and are therefore more testable. They are primarily used to explain individuals, small groups and families” (pg. 6). Jung’s analytical theory is mainly seen and used in treating and helping individuals and small groups. For example, when using Jung’s analytical theory in counseling and social work, the individual helping the client uses dream analysis and other procedures to help the client gain a better understanding of unconscious processes. The client can then use that understanding to increase mental health and wellness within themselves (Nystul, 2011, pg.184). In analytical theory, the client gains a personal insight into the structure of their personality, which allows them to learn how to make certain systems in their personality develop to allow them to become a more fully functioning individual (Nystul, 2011, pg.184). The main goal in Jung’s analytical theory is to serve the client at the individual level to help the self, in each client, emerge so the client can move more easily to self-realization. Jung’s analytical theory can also be applied to the macro level in the Macro-Micro continuum.
According to Robbins (2012), “Macro-level theories are usually highly abstract and general and attempt to explain the structure and functioning of large entities such as societies, cultures, and communities” (pg. 4). Even though Jung’s analytic theory is best used at the micro level, many aspects of the theory can be used at the macro level. For example, Jung’s archetypes of the persona, the anima and animus, the shadow, and the self, can be applied to larger entities such as cultures and societies, in terms of their relationship with behavior and how it affects the entity as a whole. So to conclude, Jung’s analytic theory has the potential to be used at all three levels of the Macro-micro continuum, but it is best used at the micro level to treat clients at the individual
level.
Values and Ethics Much of Carl Jung’s analytic theory upholds many of the values and ethics held in the social work profession. Jung had a positive view of human nature, he felt that most people had inherent tendencies towards self-determination and believed that all individuals were unique each capable of wholeness and self-realization (Nystul, 2011, pg.182). Jung aided those struggling with self-determination by helping them integrate both conscious and unconscious processing to help them become more self-aware. The values held in Jung’s analytical theory similar to social work include respect for the dignity and worth of a person, respect for the clients right for self-determination, respect for diversity and demonstrating acceptance, and adopting a strengths perspective having a non-labeling and non-stereotyping attitude. Jung’s analytical theory also had some aspects that weren’t as ethical. Jung’s theory is a part of the classical theories and is considered to be part of the Traditional/Dominant paradigm. According to Schriver (2011), the traditional/dominant paradigm “places primary value on and reflects masculine attributes and patriarchal perspectives. The dominant paradigm evaluates persons’ worth and importance according to standards of whiteness” (pg. 48). Although Jung was seen to be a part of this paradigm, he fared much better than other classical theorist’s in terms of gender equality and integrating diversity.
Conclusion
Carl Jung’s analytical theory is definitely one of the more unique and effective theories. It was interesting to see how much of Carl Jung’s childhood and early life affected his analytical theory. Gaining a deeper perspective of Jung’s theory and the key concepts that make up the theory was very helpful. It’s great to know that Jung’s analytical theory works most effectively at the micro level. Seeing the values and ethics in Jung’s theory that are similar to social work was very refreshing. Today, much of Jung’s analytical theory is still seen and used today. Having a deeper perspective and understanding of Jung’s analytical theory will lead to having a better understanding on how to use the theory and will lead to the best effective care I as a future social worker can offer using this theory. I look forward to incorporating many aspects of Jung’s theory in helping to treat my clients.
to having a better understanding on how to use the theory and will lead to the best effective care I as a future social worker can offer using this theory.
Description of Theory Carl Jung’s analytical theory incorporates many elements from fields such as religion, theology, medicine, and psychology. This in turn is what makes up Jung’s theory. The key concepts in Jung’s analytical theory are the ego, the personal unconscious, collective unconscious, archetypes, and personality types (Nystul, 2011, pg. 183). In Jung’s theory, the ego is what is at the center of the consciousness and is made up of memories, perceptions, feelings, and thought. The ego is essentially what provides structure and direction in people’s lives. The personal unconscious is another key concept, which is what contains personal thoughts and experiences that have been repressed or forgotten and that have the potential to become conscious again (Nystul, 2011, pg. 183). The personal unconscious is what contains complexes that revolve around themes. Another key concept is the collective unconscious, which is the part of the mind that contains memories and experiences inherited from an individual’s ancestors.
Another of Jung’s key concepts is archetypes. Archetypes are mythological themes that represent a various number of conflicts that individuals must work through in order to reach self-awareness. These archetypes included the persona, the anima and animus, the shadow, and the self. The final key concept in Jung’s theory is personality types. In Jung’s theory, personality types are differentiated by attitudes and functions (Nystul, 2011, pg. 184). The two types of attitudes in Jung’s theory are introverted and extroverted. An individual has both these attitudes, but there is a dominant one in each of us. The last part of the personality types are the functions. Jung identified four functions in his theory; they are thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition (Nystul, 2011, pg. 184). Individuals use and rely on these functions to react to situations. Just like the attitudes, in the functions there is a superior one in each individual. These key concepts of the ego, the personal unconscious, collective unconscious, archetypes, and personality types are what make up Jung’s analytical theory. These concepts are what make Jung stand out from all the rest. All of these concepts are becoming increasingly popular throughout time. Jung’s famous theory was highly influenced by his childhood and earlier life.
Application to Author Carl Gustav Jung was born on July 26, 1875 in Kesswil, Switzerland to Paul Achilles Jung and Emilie Preiswerk. Jung’s father was a pastor in the Swiss reformed church, and his mother was a home maker (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). Since Jung’s father was a pastor, it is believed that this is what could have possibly contributed to his fondness of religion and the influence it played on his theory. Jung had a better relationship and deeper connection with his father. His mother was said to be a depressed woman and an absent parent who was regularly looked after by his father. This can possibly explain his patriarchal view and attitude towards woman. As a young man Jung became interested in mythology, philosophy, religion, history, literature, and archaeology (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). This explains why many of these fields of study are seen in his analytical theory. Jung went on to receive a medical degree from the University of Basel in 1900 and then went on to specialize in psychiatry. It was in 1907 when Jung had his first encounter with Sigmund Freud (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). They had many areas of common interest, Jung and Freud established a very close partnership and relationship. Freud highly believed that Jung was going to be his future successor. Eventually Jung began to differ with Freud in many aspects of his theory, and in 1914 broke away from Freud (Nystul, 2011, pg. 181). Even though the two ultimately split, Jung was highly influenced by Freud’s theory’s and in many cases Jung’s theory is seen as a branch off of Freud’s theory. At this point Jung created his own school of psychology, which is now called analytical psychology. So to conclude, much of Jung’s childhood experiences and family had a tremendous impact on his development ant theory. One of the most influential influences for Jung was Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalytic theory. All of these factors are what made him the man he was and what helped him develop his theory.
Micro, Meso, and Macro Influences Carl Jung’s analytical theory can be seen at all 3 levels in the Macro-Micro continuum. Being that Jung’s theory overlaps between the macro, meso, and micro levels, it is the most useful in the micro level. According to Robbins (2012), “Micro level theories are generally more concrete and specific and are therefore more testable. They are primarily used to explain individuals, small groups and families” (pg. 6). Jung’s analytical theory is mainly seen and used in treating and helping individuals and small groups. For example, when using Jung’s analytical theory in counseling and social work, the individual helping the client uses dream analysis and other procedures to help the client gain a better understanding of unconscious processes. The client can then use that understanding to increase mental health and wellness within themselves (Nystul, 2011, pg.184). In analytical theory, the client gains a personal insight into the structure of their personality, which allows them to learn how to make certain systems in their personality develop to allow them to become a more fully functioning individual (Nystul, 2011, pg.184). The main goal in Jung’s analytical theory is to serve the client at the individual level to help the self, in each client, emerge so the client can move more easily to self-realization. Jung’s analytical theory can also be applied to the macro level in the Macro-Micro continuum.
According to Robbins (2012), “Macro-level theories are usually highly abstract and general and attempt to explain the structure and functioning of large entities such as societies, cultures, and communities” (pg. 4). Even though Jung’s analytic theory is best used at the micro level, many aspects of the theory can be used at the macro level. For example, Jung’s archetypes of the persona, the anima and animus, the shadow, and the self, can be applied to larger entities such as cultures and societies, in terms of their relationship with behavior and how it affects the entity as a whole. So to conclude, Jung’s analytic theory has the potential to be used at all three levels of the Macro-micro continuum, but it is best used at the micro level to treat clients at the individual
level.
Values and Ethics Much of Carl Jung’s analytic theory upholds many of the values and ethics held in the social work profession. Jung had a positive view of human nature, he felt that most people had inherent tendencies towards self-determination and believed that all individuals were unique each capable of wholeness and self-realization (Nystul, 2011, pg.182). Jung aided those struggling with self-determination by helping them integrate both conscious and unconscious processing to help them become more self-aware. The values held in Jung’s analytical theory similar to social work include respect for the dignity and worth of a person, respect for the clients right for self-determination, respect for diversity and demonstrating acceptance, and adopting a strengths perspective having a non-labeling and non-stereotyping attitude. Jung’s analytical theory also had some aspects that weren’t as ethical. Jung’s theory is a part of the classical theories and is considered to be part of the Traditional/Dominant paradigm. According to Schriver (2011), the traditional/dominant paradigm “places primary value on and reflects masculine attributes and patriarchal perspectives. The dominant paradigm evaluates persons’ worth and importance according to standards of whiteness” (pg. 48). Although Jung was seen to be a part of this paradigm, he fared much better than other classical theorist’s in terms of gender equality and integrating diversity.
Conclusion
Carl Jung’s analytical theory is definitely one of the more unique and effective theories. It was interesting to see how much of Carl Jung’s childhood and early life affected his analytical theory. Gaining a deeper perspective of Jung’s theory and the key concepts that make up the theory was very helpful. It’s great to know that Jung’s analytical theory works most effectively at the micro level. Seeing the values and ethics in Jung’s theory that are similar to social work was very refreshing. Today, much of Jung’s analytical theory is still seen and used today. Having a deeper perspective and understanding of Jung’s analytical theory will lead to having a better understanding on how to use the theory and will lead to the best effective care I as a future social worker can offer using this theory. I look forward to incorporating many aspects of Jung’s theory in helping to treat my clients.