Save

New Age Spirituality, Secular Paradox, and Neoliberalism

An Ethnographic Study of Family Constellation Therapy Practices in Turkey

In: Secular Studies
Author:
Zeynep Ozbarlas CUNY Graduate Center New York, NY USA

Search for other papers by Zeynep Ozbarlas in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8590-9090
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

$40.00

Abstract

Family Constellation Therapy (FCT) is a popular therapeutic model in New Age spirituality, characterized by the collective embodiment of ancestral spirits linked to historical traumas, and challenges perspectives on selfhood and history within the conventions of secular discourse. This ethnographic study of FCT in Turkey, in which the author engages as a participant-observer, examines how its modern, secular and educated practitioners cultivate spirituality while reproducing secular values that condemn Islam and other metaphysical traditions they consider superstitious. New Age circles in Turkey have become a novel venue to reinforce hierarchies established at the beginning of the Turkish Republic, such as East vs West. This study adds to analyses of the secular paradox and neoliberal subjectivities, as its practitioners tend to prioritize personal healing rather than addressing broader societal issues.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1612 1612 435
Full Text Views 8 8 3
PDF Views & Downloads 25 25 5