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Understanding the Concept of Integral Type from 16 Personality Types Systems

Opteamyzer Understanding the Concept of Integral Type from 16 Personality Types Systems Author Author: Yu Qi
Understanding the Concept of Integral Type from 16 Personality Types Systems
Main / Knowledge Center / Understanding the Concept of Integral Type from 16 Personality Types Systems

Cultural archetypes, represented in folk tales and legends, play a crucial role in shaping national consciousness. They are symbols that reflect the values, fears, hopes, and dreams of a people. These archetypes can be correlated with various personality types from the typologies of the 16 types and socionics, allowing a deeper understanding of how culture influences people's behavior and worldview. This article will explore the concept of the Integral Type, emphasizing its significance and practical applications, such as understanding cultural compatibility when opening an office in another country.

Cultural Archetypes and National Consciousness

Cultural archetypes are recurring images and symbols in myths, tales, and legends of different peoples. They form the basis of the collective unconscious, as described by Carl Gustav Jung. These archetypes help people make sense of the world around them and their place in it.

Examples of Cultural Archetypes

  • Hero: In most cultures, there are stories of heroes who overcome difficulties and defeat evil. Such stories inspire people and help them believe in their strength. An example is Achilles from Greek mythology.
  • Trickster: The trickster, a cunning and resourceful character, is also widespread in many cultures. An example is Loki from Norse mythology or Coyote from Native American myths.
  • Sage: The sage is a character with deep knowledge and understanding of the world. In Chinese mythology, an example is Laozi.
  • Mother Figure: The archetype of the caring and protective mother is present in many tales and legends. An example is Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth.

National Consciousness and Archetypes

National consciousness is shaped by numerous factors, including history, geography, climate, and religion. The cultural archetypes reflected in tales and legends help preserve and transmit key values and beliefs of a people from generation to generation.

Examples from Different Cultures

  • Greek Mythology: Greek myths often feature heroes who overcome difficulties with their strength, intelligence, or divine assistance. These stories reflect a pursuit of justice, wisdom, and belief in destiny.
  • Chinese Legends: Chinese legends often emphasize wisdom, respect for elders, and harmony with nature. An example is the legend of Yu the Great, who saved China from floods.
  • Norse Myths: Norse mythology prominently features warrior heroes like Thor and Odin. These myths highlight the importance of courage and strength in the harsh conditions of the North.

Personality Typology and Archetypes

The typology of the 16 personality types (MBTI) and socionics provides tools for understanding individual differences in behavior and thinking. These typologies can be used to analyze cultural archetypes and their impact on national consciousness.

Correlation of Archetypes with Personality Types

  • Hero (Achilles) - SLI (ISTp): A hero like Achilles is often associated with the ISTp personality type. This type is characterized by practicality, decisiveness, and the ability to act in challenging situations.
  • Trickster (Loki) - IEE (ENFp): Loki, as a trickster, can be correlated with the ENFp type. This personality type is known for creativity, enthusiasm, and the ability to find unconventional solutions.
  • Sage (Laozi) -  LII (INTj): The sage, such as Laozi, corresponds to the INTj type. This type is characterized by analytical thinking, strategic approach, and the ability to see hidden connections.
  • Mother Figure (Gaia) -  ESI (ISFj): Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, embodies the mother archetype and corresponds to the ISFj type. This type is known for its caring nature, attention to detail, and desire for protection.

The Concept of Integral Type

The Integral Type is a concept that suggests the presence of a dominant dual pair of personality types that are most frequently found among representatives of a particular culture. This type is shaped by cultural, historical, and social factors and reflects the collective unconscious of a people. Often, the Integral Type includes a second, related pair that supports and complements the first.

Understanding the Integral Type can be particularly useful in various contexts. For example, when opening an office in another country, knowing the dominant personality types can help in creating a work environment that aligns with the local culture, ensuring better communication, collaboration, and overall effectiveness.

Examples of Integral Types

  • USA: The dominant types are LIE (ENTj) and ESI (ISFj). The supporting pair is IEE (ENFp) and SLI (ISTp). This combination creates a society where entrepreneurship and leadership (LIE) play a key role, while stability and traditions (ESI) support the foundation of society. For example, the archetypes of Uncle Sam (LIE) and Tom Sawyer (IEE) illustrate these types well.
  • Netherlands: The dominant types are LSE (ESTj) and EII (INFj). This combination emphasizes the importance of structured management (LSE) and foresight (EII), helping to create a society focused on sustainable development and harmony. Examples include figures like Anne Frank (EII) and historical leaders such as Jan de Witt (LSE).
  • Germany: The dominant types are LSI (ISTj) and EIE (ENFj). This combination reflects the values of order, discipline, and management (LSI) combined with charismatic leadership and a focus on collective values (EIE). Examples include figures like Albert Schweitzer (EIE) and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (LSI).
  • Thailand: The dominant types are SEI (ISFp) and ILE (ENTp). This combination highlights the importance of creativity, harmony, and innovation, where SEIs are oriented towards inner harmony and aesthetic values, while ILEs provide innovative solutions and flexibility. An example can be seen in King Rama IX (SEI).

Influence of Integral Type on Society

The Integral Type determines the dominant values and behavioral patterns in society. It creates conditions that are comfortable for some personality types and conflicting for others. For example, in a society with a dominant Integral Type of LIE (ENTj) and ESI (ISFj), people who value leadership, order, and stability will feel comfortable, while types preferring more freedom and creativity (e.g., IEI - INFp) might experience discomfort.

Examples of Analyzing Tales and Legends

Greek Myths

  • Oedipus: The tragedy of Oedipus, who unknowingly commits a crime and becomes a victim of fate, reflects the archetype of the tragic hero. This image can be associated with the EII (INFj) type, characterized by deep feelings, a complex inner world, and a pursuit of truth. The Integral Type of Greek culture - EIE (ENFj) - complements this image, emphasizing the focus on tragedy and moral dilemmas.
  • Heracles: Heracles, who completed twelve labors, embodies the archetype of the hero-savior. This image can be linked with the SLE (ESTp) type, characterized by courage, energy, and determination. The Integral Type of Greek culture - EIE (ENFj) - reflects the pursuit of heroism and self-sacrifice.

Chinese Legends

  • Yu the Great: The legend of Yu the Great, who saved China from floods, reflects the archetype of the wise ruler and protector of the people. This image can be associated with the EII (INFj) type, characterized by vision, leadership qualities, and a pursuit of harmony. The Integral Type of Chinese culture - EII (INFj) - emphasizes the importance of harmony, wisdom, and collective well-being.
  • Iron Crutch Li: In Chinese mythology, the image of Iron Crutch Li symbolizes strength and determination. This archetype can be linked with the LSE (ESTj) type, characterized by organizational abilities and goal-orientedness. The Integral Type of Chinese culture - EII (INFj) - complements this image, emphasizing determination and purposefulness.

Norse Myths

  • Thor: Thor, the god of thunder and lightning, embodies the archetype of the warrior hero. This image can be associated with the SLE (ESTp) type, characterized by courage, energy, and the ability to act in extreme situations. The Integral Type of Norse culture - SLE (ESTp) - reflects the importance of bravery and strength in harsh northern conditions.
  • Odin: Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology, embodies wisdom and strategic thinking. This archetype can be linked with the LIE (ENTj) type, characterized by analytical thinking and foresight. The Integral Type of Norse culture - SLE (ESTp) - emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and wisdom.

Conclusion

Cultural archetypes, reflected in folk tales and legends, play a crucial role in shaping national consciousness. These archetypes help people make sense of the world around them and their place in it. The correlation between cultural archetypes and personality types from the typologies of the 16 types and socionics allows for a deeper understanding of how culture influences people's behavior and worldview. The examined examples have shown that archetypes can be associated with various personality types, helping to explain their significance and impact on national consciousness. Introducing the concept of the Integral Type allows for a more precise determination of the dominant behavioral patterns and values in different cultures, as well as understanding which conditions are comfortable or conflicting for various personality types. This understanding can be particularly useful for businesses and individuals looking to navigate cultural differences effectively, such as when opening an office in another country.