An Application of Turquet's Basic-Assumption Oneness to the Analysis of a Group in Search of Utopia

Abstract

This article examines Turquet's basic-assumption oneness as it applies to the large group setting. Oneness is seen as a group myth serving the major function of avoiding membership schisms, and allows members to avoid the anxiety attendant upon the identity problems that emerge in a large group. One particular group is examined. Here a myth of oneness is supported by the members' institutionalized assumption that they cannot arrive at wrong, bad, or unwise decisions. The unity provided by the myth enables the group to pursue a course that members believe will lead to a utopian society. The myth however prevents members from acting in an independent manner and from examining their beliefs. The dynamics of one particular group session are examined in detail.