Archetypal Grief: Slavery's Legacy of Intergenerational Child Loss

Archetypal Grief: Slavery's Legacy of Intergenerational Child Loss explores the psychological effects of child loss experienced by women held in slavery in the Americas and its ongoing impact in contemporary society. It introduces the concept of archetypal grief in African American women, cultural trauma that spans generations. The book discusses the narratives of enslaved women and their descendants, examining the broader context of slavery and its impact on African American women. It will be an important resource for academics and students in various fields, including psychology, history, and women's studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Archetypal Grief: Slavery's Legacy of Intergenerational Child Loss delves into the profound psychological ramifications of child loss experienced by women held in slavery in the Americas, and its enduring impact on contemporary society. It introduces the concept of archetypal grief in African American women, recognizing the cultural trauma that spans generations. Through a blend of Jungian psychology, neuroscience, and attachment theory, Fanny Brewster examines the psychological lives of enslaved women, drawing from their narratives and those of their descendants. She also explores the stories of mothering slaves, shedding light on their physical and emotional experiences.

The broader context of slavery is explored, encompassing topics such as the visibility/invisibility of the African female body, the archetype of the mother, stereotypes about black women, and the significance of rites of passage. The discussion is contextualized within contemporary America, considering the economic, educational, spiritual, and political legacies of slavery.

Archetypal Grief is a groundbreaking work that will appeal to academics and students specializing in Jungian and post-Jungian studies, archetypal and depth psychology, archetypal studies, feminine psychology, women's studies, the history of slavery, African American history, African diaspora studies, and sociology. It will also be of immense interest to analytical psychologists and Jungian psychotherapists in both practice and training.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415789066