Adler's theories focus on inferiority/superiority complexes and socially useful personality types. Christopher Gardner struggles with feeling inferior as a struggling salesman unable to provide for his family. However, he moves towards superiority by pursuing a stockbroker internship despite the risks. His persistence to support his son exemplifies Adler's view of a socially useful personality. While Linda abandons her social roles as a mother and wife due to low agreeableness and high neuroticism, Chris focuses on caring for his son as his top priority.
1. THEORIES
Adler’s Neo-Analytical Theory:
“Life is what you make it.”
Inferiority vs. Superiority
Socially useful type
Big 5:
Extroversion
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness (Lack of Impulsivity)
Neuroticism (Emotional Instability)
Openness to Experience (Culture or Intellect)
CHARACTERS PLOT
YouTube - The Pursuit of Happyness Trailer (:09-:40 sec)
In 1981, Chris Gardner was a struggling salesman in little
needed medical bone density scanners while his wife toiled
in double shifts to support the family including their young
Christopher Gardner Jr.
son, Christopher. In the face of this difficult life, Chris has the
desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship
where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time
career. Even when his wife leaves him because of this choice,
Chris clings to this dream with his son even when the odds
Linda: Christopher’s Wife
become more daunting by the day. Together, father and son
struggle through homelessness, jail time, tax seizure and the
overall punishing despair in a quest that would make
Christopher Gardner
Gardner a respected millionaire.
Chisholm, Kevin. "The Pursuit of Happiness". IMDB. 11/26/07 <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454921/plotsummary>.
2. CHRISTOPHER GARDNER & ADLER CHRIS & ADLER CONT’
“Behavior is designed to overcome feelings of inferiority
Creative Power of Self: Chris places the
and move towards feelings of superiority” – Adler
responsibility of his personality into his own hands.
Inferiority: Persistent feeling that one does not measure
Chris decides to break the chain of bad parenting.
up to expectations. And this tendency to not follow through with his dreams.
Inability to sell Bone Density Scanners = No Money
Chris is the perfect example of a person moving
Inability to pay bills, parking tickets, rent, etc.
towards superiority through feelings of inferiority.
Homeless
Abandoned by wife
Car impounded
CHRISTOPHER GARDNER CHRIS AS THE
AND THE SOCIALLY USEFUL TYPE:
Video Clip: Interview Scene Adler’s Socially Useful Type:
High in Extroversion 1. Meets problems realistically
Sociability, warmth, assertiveness 2. Cooperative and Caring
High in Agreeableness Video Clip: Basketball Scene (45 sec)
Straightforwardness, trust, altruism, modesty
Teaches son to reach for his dreams.
High in Openness to Experience
“Life is what you Make it.”
Imagination, aesthetic sense, curiosity
3. LINDA &
LINDA: CHRISTOPHER’S WIFE & ADLER THE
Adler’s theory focuses on the importance of
social interest and each person’s perceived
Low in Agreeableness
Straightforwardness, trust, altruism, modesty
social niche.
Linda abandons her basic social roles:
High in Neuroticism (Emotional Instability)
Mother Anxiety, hostility, depression, vulnerability
Wife
Low in Openness to Experience
Upon leaving she admits to not being able to take care of
Imagination, aesthetic sense, curiosity
her son properly, there for, Chris stays with their son.
“I hold one thing dearer than
all else, my commitment to my
son.” –Chris Gardner
