Jung’s Recalcitrant Fourth

Abstract

Abstract This paper enlists Jung’s notion of recalcitrant fourth to argue that, contrary to what some Jungian scholars contend, the work of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is not illustrative of the transformative process that Jung’s concept of transcendent function aims to illuminate. The TRC created a moral split between redeemed victim and resentful victim, discrediting and marginalising those who refused to reconcile: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was among them. Where antagonism is not allowed expression, no potential regeneration can take place. The recalcitrant fourth is a disruptor of harmony, and as such feared by the dominant ego position. Nevertheless, Jung cautions not to banish the fourth, as it affords consciousness with a crucial access to the crude realities of existence. Despite her questionable character, Madikizela-Mandela’s resentment should have been taken seriously, as it pointed towards the deeply ingrained social and economic inequalities that still today are cause of resentment among many disillusioned Born Frees.