51社区

Dissertation Title:

Coming 51社区: Migration and Individuation

Candidate:

Jack Mendoza

Date, Time & Place:

February 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Virtual


Abstract

This dissertation explores the concept of individuation, primarily focusing on its application to Salvadorans, and delves into the psychological journey of individuation as proposed by C. G. Jung. The study emphasizes the process of becoming one鈥檚 true self and achieving the conscious- unconscious union of opposites and one鈥檚 psychological wholeness. The discussion also extends into post-Jungian perspectives, such as James Hillman鈥檚 definition of individuation as finding a place to call home and give back to society. Through an autoethnographic and theoretical alchemical hermeneutic methodology, the dissertation鈥檚 narrative highlights the author鈥檚 personal experience of migration, particularly the author鈥檚 family鈥檚 journey from El Salvador to the United States and reflects on the emotional and psychological impact of dislocation, the search for a sense of home, and the complexities of identity for immigrants in a new environment. Finally, this dissertation explores the idea of the 鈥済lobal citizen,鈥 advocating for the 鈥淪oul鈥檚 psychic life鈥 of the individual to transcend national borders and embrace cultural diversities. It posits that the concept of hybridity and the notion of belonging to a global community symbolizes the internal individuation process for the immigrant.

Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology, A, 2018
  • Chair: Dr. Indhushree Rajan
  • Reader: Dr. Mark Montijo
  • External Reader: Dr. Jessica Chavez
  • Keywords: Individuation, Immigration, Post-Jungian Psychology, Latin American Studies, Salvadoran Diaspora, Liberation Psychology, Soul