27 Archetypes

Series: A Peek Into Privilege

The Seen Stark-to-Instability

#6 "I was raised in an under-developed country. Growing up, I had the full emotional support from my parents and primary caregivers in all areas of life at all times. 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 Stark archetypes were raised in under-developed countries, characterised by:

  • Economy: Very low income, minimal industrialisation, and limited infrastructure. Agriculture is often the main economic activity.
  • Standard of Living: High levels of poverty, limited access to basic services (healthcare, education), and lower life expectancy.
  • Social Indicators: High unemployment, poor living conditions, lack of modern amenities, and limited political stability.

EXAMPLES OF THE CHALLENGES THEY MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED GROWING UP IN AN UNDER-DEVELOPED COUNTRY

  • Malnutrition: Limited access to nutritious food, leading to stunted growth and weakened immune systems.
  • Health Issues: Lack of access to healthcare results in untreated illnesses and higher mortality rates.
  • Unsafe Living Conditions: Exposure to unsafe environments (poor housing, sanitation, and lack of clean water).
  • Physical Labor: Children may be required to work from a young age to support their families, impacting their physical development.
  • Limited Access to Education: Physical challenges of traveling long distances to attend school, if schooling is available at all.
  • Limited Educational Opportunities: Poor quality or lack of education can hinder cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
  • Chronic Stress: Constant exposure to poverty, violence, or instability can cause mental strain and developmental delays.
  • Restricted Cognitive Stimulation: Without access to books, learning materials, and technology, cognitive growth can be stunted.
  • Survival Focus: Mental energy is often directed toward basic survival rather than learning and creativity.
  • Neglect and Trauma: Emotional neglect from caregivers who are preoccupied with survival can lead to attachment issues, depression, and anxiety.
  • Lack of Emotional Support: Difficulty processing emotions without guidance; children may feel unloved or unworthy.
  • Fear and Instability: Living in an unstable environment can lead to fear, insecurity, and lack of self-confidence.
  • Social Isolation: In remote or impoverished communities, children might have limited social interactions or play opportunities, affecting emotional growth.
  • Spiritual Disconnection: With a focus on basic survival, children may struggle to connect with a sense of higher purpose or meaning.
  • Cultural and Religious Pressures: Some communities may have strict spiritual or religious traditions that limit personal exploration of spirituality.
  • Scarcity Mindset: Growing up with a lack of resources can foster a belief in limitation, scarcity, and hopelessness.
  • Limited Access to Spiritual Education: Lack of exposure to diverse ideas, philosophies, or spiritual teachings.
The Seen had full emotional support from parents and primary caregivers to 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?