The Cultural Complex: Linking Psyche and Society

This article reviews the groundbreaking work of Singer and Kimbles’ The Cultural Complex, which provides a new conceptualization of the twilight zone between the archetypal and the personal that has significant theoretical, cultural and clinical implications. Cultural complexes are akin to personal complexes that when activated take hold of the collective psyche of the group. They function autonomously, organize group life, facilitate functioning of the individual within the group and give a sense of belonging. Alternatively, they may function as a part of traumatic group defense. Clinical implications are explored, along with examples from Israel, Brazil, and elsewhere.