Degnan Smith

This book aims to re-vision economics by taking a Jungian view of the recent global economic crisis of the 2010s, focusing on Greece’s challenging experience in particular.

Recognizing the genius loci of Greece by taking a terrapsychological approach allows Greece to be an active participant in the discussions rather than purely an object to be studied. Observing the crisis through the lenses of mythology, cultural complexes, and the God-image deepens the understanding of modern-day economics. These viewpoints reveal the unconscious and archetypal elements at play in the dysfunctions. Exposing the foundational issues is critical to redeeming economics and confirms the value in seeing socioeconomic issues from a Jungian perspective. The issues revealed through the exploration are not unique to Greece, but rather reflect many of the fundamental problems of the current global economic system. Thus, like its ancient myths, Greece’s modern-day story of suffering has insights for today’s world.

The audience for this book includes and extends beyond Jungian psychology, and will also appeal to some in the field of economics and those interested in the application of Jungian ideas to sociocultural issues.

Jennifer Degnan Smith (BA Economics, MA Applied Psychology) received her PhD in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her focus is on the application of depth psychology to sociocultural issues, particularly those related to business, economics, and the natural world. Her many years of consulting in the U.S. and Europe supported the creation of healthy working environments and helping people to connect to their vocation. She also taught Organizational Behavior to undergraduate and graduate students. Jennifer spent considerable time in Greece studying ancient myth and modern culture.