Written by: Dragana Favre, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the heart of Geneva, a city where 51% of its population comprises foreigners, the phenomenon of Modern Apatrides emerges with striking clarity. These individuals, often well-educated and financially secure, navigate through life with a unique set of privileges and challenges. Unlike immigrants or ecological migrants, Modern Apatrides are not bound by conventional ties to a single nation or culture. Their lives are marked by transitions – from one international school to another, across languages and borders, marrying into other cultures, and frequently changing professional landscapes. Yet, amidst this global tapestry, a profound sense of rootlessness prevails.
Modern Apatrides in Geneva represent a microcosm of a growing global population. Their existence is characterized by a complex interplay of professional achievement and personal dislocation. This community, while diverse, shares a common narrative: a life in flux, with the ephemeral nature of business relationships often taking precedence over deeper, land-based ties. The ecological footprint of their lifestyles, marked by frequent air travel and consumption patterns detached from local ecosystems, raises urgent questions about ecological responsibility.
It is through the lens of Andy Fisher's radical ecopsychology that we can begin to understand the intricate web of relationships that define the lives of Modern Apatrides. Fisher's framework, grounded in the triadic relationship between society, nature, and the psyche, offers a profound critique of the prevailing socio-economic systems and their impact on human and ecological well-being. This model emphasizes the interconnectedness of our mental health, societal structures, and environmental sustainability, urging a reevaluation of our place within the natural world.
Let’s explore this eco-triangle while “putting the Modern Apatrides” in its middle
Society: The societal aspect of Fisher's triangle examines how structures and norms influence individual behavior and identity. For Modern Apatrides, the societal dimension is both global and fluid, characterized by a continuous negotiation of cultural identities and professional roles. Their position within society often grants them influence and power, yet it also isolates them from traditional community bonds and responsibilities toward local ecosystems. In other words, they are deprived of The Land, emotional and natural.
Nature: The ecological footprint of Modern Apatrides is significant, reflecting a broader societal trend towards consumption detached from ecological realities. Through the prism of radical ecopsychology, their lifestyles can be seen as symptomatic of a deeper disconnection from the natural world. This disconnection not only exacerbates environmental degradation but also deprives individuals of the psychological and spiritual benefits that come from a meaningful relationship with nature. Nature is experienced as a place for leisure, a provider of the rapid care between the professional obligations but not as respectful entity and Other.
Psyche: The psychological dimension of Fisher's model reveals the inner turmoil that often accompanies the life of an Apatride in modern times. Despite their outward success, many experience a profound sense of emptiness and a lack of genuine attachments. This emotional and existential void poses a challenge for psychotherapeutic intervention, which must address not only individual symptoms but also the deeper need for belonging and connection to both community and nature. Preparation for the retirement, assessment of those temporally (or for a longer period) incapacitated for the work and challenge of the child conception could activate deep transgenerational or family complexes and confront the patient to the void which was carefully hidden in the passport stamps.
Addressing the psychological needs of apatrides requires a therapeutic approach that goes beyond conventional methods. It necessitates a recognition of the unique challenges they face in finding a sense of belonging in a rapidly globalizing world. Psychotherapeutic support must aim to foster deeper connections with the Self, Others, and the natural world, challenging the status quo and encouraging a reevaluation of what it means to live a meaningful life.
The lives of Modern Apatrides, viewed through the radical ecopsychological triangle of society, nature, and psyche, highlight the need for a holistic approach to well-being that integrates ecological consciousness and personal fulfillment. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the experiences of Modern Apatrides offer valuable insights into the complex interdependencies that define our times. By fostering a deeper sense of belonging and ecological responsibility, we can begin to address the existential and environmental challenges that face us all, paving the way for a more sustainable and psychologically healthy future and restoring the intimate connection of Humans with the Land.
Dragana Favre, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Dragana Favre is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and a seeker of the human psyche's mysteries. With a medical degree and extensive neuroscience education from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Instituto de Neurociencias, she's a seasoned expert. Her unique approach combines Jungian psychotherapy, EMDR, and dream interpretation, guiding patients towards self-discovery and healing. Beyond her profession, Dr. Favre is passionate about science fiction, nature, and cosmology. Her ex-Yugoslavian roots in the small town of Kikinda offer a rich backdrop to her life's journey. She is dedicated to helping people find their true selves, much like an alchemist turning lead into gold.
