Carl Jung’s theory on mob mentality is rooted in his concept of the collective unconscious. Jung posited that the collective unconscious is a part of the unconscious mind shared by all humans, comprising inherited memories and archetypes universal across cultures. These archetypes are primordial images and ideas that shape human behaviour and experiences.
When it comes to mob mentality, Jung suggested that individuals can lose their sense of self as their personal unconscious becomes subsumed by the collective unconscious. Several key points highlight this phenomenon:
Activation of Archetypes: In a mob situation, powerful archetypes from the collective unconscious can be activated, leading to intense and often irrational behaviour. For example, the “shadow” archetype, which represents the darker aspects of the psyche, can surface, leading to aggressive and destructive actions.
Loss of Individual Consciousness: Jung believed that in a mob, individuals might experience a submersion of their personal consciousness into the collective unconscious. This results in a loss of personal identity and responsibility, as the individual’s actions are driven more by the group dynamic than by personal conscious decision-making.
Primitive Instincts: The collective unconscious can unleash primitive instincts and emotions in a mob, overriding rational thought and individual moral constraints. This can lead to behaviour that is typically suppressed in individuals due to social norms and personal ethics.
Contagion of Affect: Emotional states and behaviours within a mob can spread rapidly due to the shared unconscious content. This psychological contagion means that emotions like fear, anger, or euphoria can quickly become amplified within the group, driving the collective behaviour.
Shadow Projection: In the context of a mob, individuals may project their own unacknowledged dark impulses onto others, often seen in the targeting of perceived enemies or scapegoats. This projection of the “shadow” can result in heightened aggression and violence.
Jung’s perspective on the collective unconscious and mob mentality provides a framework for understanding the psychological forces at work in group dynamics. It suggests that when people come together in a crowd, they can become part of a collective mind, driven by deep-seated, shared psychological content that can lead to irrational and often destructive behaviour. This understanding helps explain why normally rational individuals can participate in actions that are out of character when they are part of a mob.
Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes suggests that these universal, symbolic images influence human behaviour and thought patterns. In the context of mobs formed by members of the British working class, several archetypes are particularly relevant:
The Shadow: This archetype represents the darker, repressed aspects of the psyche. In a mob, the shadow can manifest as collective anger, frustration, and aggression. This is particularly relevant in working-class mobs where economic and social grievances are often at the forefront. The shadow can lead to actions that are normally suppressed by social norms and personal morality.
The Rebel: The rebel archetype embodies the impulse to challenge and overthrow established structures and authority. In the context of working-class mobs, this archetype resonates with feelings of injustice and oppression. It drives the collective desire to protest against perceived social and economic inequities, leading to acts of defiance and sometimes violence.
The Warrior: This archetype is associated with the drive to fight for a cause or defend against a perceived threat. In working-class mobs, the warrior spirit can emerge as individuals unite to fight against social and economic injustices. This archetype can galvanise collective action and solidarity, but it can also lead to confrontations and clashes with authorities.
The Martyr: The martyr archetype represents self-sacrifice for a greater cause. Within working-class mobs, individuals may see themselves or others as martyrs for their community’s cause, willing to endure hardship, punishment, or even violence to bring attention to their struggles. This archetype can inspire solidarity and perseverance but can also lead to dangerous situations where individuals take extreme risks.
The Trickster: The trickster archetype is characterised by disruption, subversion, and challenging the status quo through unconventional means. In the context of a mob, this can manifest as looting, vandalism, or other acts of civil disobedience intended to disrupt normal societal functions and draw attention to grievances.
The Collective Hero: This archetype embodies the idea of the group as a unified force fighting for justice or change. In working-class mobs, this archetype can manifest as a sense of collective identity and purpose, where individuals feel part of a larger struggle for social and economic rights.
These archetypes can provide a framework for understanding the psychological dynamics at play in working-class mobs. They help explain the motivations and behaviours of individuals within the group, driven by deep-seated, shared unconscious content. This perspective highlights how collective action can be influenced by universal psychological patterns, leading to both constructive and destructive outcomes.