Article THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SYNCHRONICITY Roderick Main University of Essex, UK Correspondence: Dr Roderick Main, Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK E-mail: rmain@essex.ac.uk Abstract This paper aims to contribute to a reassessment of the social significance of C.G. Jung’s (1875–1961) analytical psychology. Contrary to a tenacious perception that Jung’s work is little concerned with society, this paper suggests that the social dimension is a concern that permeates all of Jung’s work, even his apparently most esoteric. The paper looks first at Jung’s diagnosis of the problem of modernity, next at his understanding and general analytical psychological critique of mass society, and then at the contribution of his concept of synchronicity (meaningful acausal connection) to this critique. It concludes with a brief reflection on the possible usefulness of synchronicity for illuminating contemporary social and cultural events. Keywords Jung; analytical psychology; modernity; mass society; synchronicity Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society (2006) 11, 36–53. doi:10.1057/palgrave.pcs.2100067 Introduction I n his book Jung in Context: Modernity and the Making of a Psychology (1979/1995), Peter Homans identifies three major areas to which C.G. Jung (1875–1961) applied his mature psychological theory: clinical work, religion, and the problem of modernity (p 24). Correspondingly, he sees Jung as having a three-fold identity as originative psychologist, prophet, and social critic (p 161). Jung’s work, for all its marginalization relative to Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society 2006, 11, (36–53) c 2006 Palgrave Macmillan Ltd 1088-0763/06 $30.00 www.palgrave-journals.com/pcs