Cultural unconscious in research: integrating multicultural and depth paradigms in qualitative research

Abstract

Culturally focused research has gained momentum in many disciplines, including psychology. However, much of this research fails to pay attention to the unconscious dynamics that underlie the study of culture and culturally influenced human beings. Such dynamics may be especially significant when issues of marginalization and oppression are present. Therefore, this paper seeks to contribute a framework for understanding cultural dynamics, especially unconscious cultural dynamics, within depth psychological qualitative research influenced by Jungian and post-Jungian scholarship. Inquiry that is approached with a commitment to making the unconscious conscious seeks to empower and liberate not only the subject/object studied but also the researchers themselves. Following a brief review of multiculturalism in the context of analytically informed psychology, this paper offers several case examples that focus on researchers' integration of awareness of the cultural unconscious in their study of cultural beings and topics.

Seeking reason and rebirth: Jungian archetypes, scientism, and a question about transhumanism

“…Some writers in the Jungian context apply the concepts of cultural unconscious and cultural complexes to processes at the level of groups or societies. Oksana, Miles, Indhushree, Bujko, and Thomas (2016) aver that while an interest in cultures has gained momentum across the academia, little attention is given to unconscious dynamics that could illuminate marginalisation and oppression in society. Remarking also that Jungians tend to rely on clinical material, they contend that 'greater awareness of processes related to the cultural unconscious and cultural complexes' would be achieved 'through the accounts of researchers who have actively sought to examine these dynamics' (p.661).…”

Transformative Learning in International Short-Term Teach Abroad Programs

“…Scholars have therefore proposed that international practicum settings be used to expose candidates to a greater variety of classroom experiences, to prepare them to teach a greater variety of students (Black & Bernardes, 2014;Kauh, 2017), and to expose them to conflicting ideas in new situations and discomfort caused by uncertainty (Cooper, 2007;McLeod, 2015). International cross-cultural experiences can also reveal a person's cultural unconsciousness, i.e., when one is not aware about another culture and unaware of underlying influences of their beliefs (Yakushko et al, 2016), thereby transforming their worldview (Bennett, 1993(Bennett, , 2004King & Baxter Magolda, 2005). If done well, teach abroad opportunities can provide an ideal setting and context for transformative learning to happen.…”

O Complexo Cultural e o Complexo do Comer: Um Estudo com Mulheres Obesas

“…De forma dinâmica e inconsciente, a personalidade do pesquisador interfere no fenômeno pesquisado, ou seja, o "conhecimento e autoconhecimento são indissociáveis e condicionados pela psique do pesquisador" (Penna, 2004, p. 76). Yakushko et al (2016), descrevem sobre a presença e influência do Inconsciente Cultural do pesquisador dentro da pesquisa, principalmente nos estudos qualitativos. Os autores relatam a necessidade de reconhecer os próprios Complexos Culturais por meio do processo terapêutico.…”