27 Archetypes

Series: A Peek Into Privilege

The Overlooked Solid-to-Instability

#22 "I was raised in a developed country. Growing up, I had no emotional support from my parents and primary caregivers because their priorities lied elsewhere. Currently, I am experiencing financial instability where there’s generally just enough to get by, sometimes there’s nothing and sometimes there’s surplus."

All the Solid archetypes were raised in developed countries, characterised by:

  • Economy: High income, advanced technology, strong industrial and service sectors, with highly efficient infrastructure. Economies are typically diversified and service-based.
  • Standard of Living: High standards of healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Most people have access to social security, advanced medical care, and education systems.
  • Social Indicators: Low unemployment, political stability, high life expectancy, and strong institutions that support governance and economic security.

EXAMPLES OF THE CHALLENGES THEY MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED GROWING UP IN A DEVELOPED COUNTRY

  • Sedentary Lifestyle: In developed nations, children may face issues like obesity due to a sedentary lifestyle and easy access to processed foods.
  • Mental Health Strain: While healthcare is more accessible, developed countries often experience higher rates of mental health issues such as anxiety, ADHD, or depression.
  • Over-Consumption: Exposure to material excess and convenience can lead to over-consumption of unhealthy foods, media, and technology.
  • Environmental Disconnect: Children may have fewer opportunities to engage with nature, contributing to physical and emotional imbalances.
  • Performance Pressure: In highly competitive environments, children may face immense pressure to perform academically and socially.
  • Digital Overload: Overexposure to digital devices and social media can result in distraction, attention issues, and mental fatigue.
  • Existential Anxiety: Children growing up with material abundance may still experience existential anxiety, asking deeper questions about purpose and meaning.
  • Mental Health Awareness: While there is access to mental health resources, there is often a high prevalence of mental health challenges due to stress, social comparison, and overwork.
  • Disconnection from Family: Although basic needs are often met, parents may be more focused on careers, leading to emotional disconnection or neglect.
  • Social Pressure and Isolation: Peer pressure and high expectations can lead to emotional isolation or a sense of never being “enough.”
  • Material Substitutes for Love: Emotional needs may be substituted with material goods, leading to a lack of deep emotional fulfillment.
  • Emotional Overload: Exposure to media, constant connectivity, and societal expectations can cause emotional exhaustion or overwhelm.
  • Spiritual Apathy: In a highly developed and materialistic society, there may be a sense of spiritual apathy or lack of interest in deeper spiritual questions.
  • Searching for Purpose: Despite material abundance, children may struggle to find a sense of purpose or meaning in life.
  • Spiritual Exploration: Access to diverse spiritual and philosophical teachings may allow for exploration, but without proper guidance, it can lead to confusion or superficial engagement.
  • Cultural Secularism: Growing up in a more secular environment may disconnect children from spiritual traditions, leaving them searching for personal meaning later in life.
The Overlooked had no emotional support from parents and primary caregivers to help navigate these challenges. Fast forward to today, they're experiencing financial instability.

Empathy prompt

As you step into their shoes:

  1. Are you able to feel into their childhood journey?
  2. When considering their upbringing and where they are today, are you able to imagine the lifestyle choices that brought them to where they are?
  3. Are you able to imagine the unforeseen circumstances that influenced the trajectory of their lives?
  4. What are the emotions that come up for you as you contemplate their circumstances?
  5. What differences and similarities do you find in your life journeys?
  6. If you had a heartfelt message, what would it be? 
  7. If you could have an ongoing conversation, what topic would you choose?
  8. In which ways could your strengths enhance their wellness?
  9. Given your unique life experiences, are there potential opportunities for you to partner or collaborate for the greatest good of all?