The Archetypal Roots of Culture and Religion

Universally, people are rooted in their culture, religion, and language. This literature-based article focuses on the underlying similarities between people from African and Western cultures and life philosophies. The underlying similarities in the two worldviews are discussed from a Jungian perspective. It is argued that on an archetypal level, all human beings and their cultural and religious expressions share common patterns. These similarities are demonstrated by analysing four Jungian constructs – the persona, shadow, anima/animus, and individuation. These constructs provide insight into the deep structural similarities in worldviews, cultures, and religions that may bridge personal, cultural, and religious divisions.

Keywords: Archetypes, consciousness/unconsciousness, constructs, worldviews.