V6/7: Identity and Subjectivity Flashcards
What is the concept of the “real” self, and how does it connect to humanism?
The “real” self is a core, authentic essence within us, independent of external roles and categories.
- Society’s roles limit true self-expression (e.g., behavior in public, gender roles).
This belief in a unique, expressive “real” self underpins humanism, a philosophy that emerged during the Enlightenment.
- Essence is seen as fixed, stable, and unchangeable, which is debated in cultural studies.
Humanism promotes equality based on this essence but has more complex implications.
What is the impact of identity markers in the context of Araeen’s experience?
Identity markers like religion, ethnicity, and nationality can classify individuals as “us” or “them,” creating inclusion and exclusion. (Giles and Middleton)
Araeen’s identity as a Muslim artist was used to categorize him as “non-European,” excluding him from the European art community.
This reinforces the idea that identity is relational and influenced by power dynamics.
What is an anti-humanist apporach to identity?
Decentered Subjectivity:
- our self is formed by outside influences
- the manners in which we conceive of our selfhood, the forms according to which we understand our selves, are themselves determined in multiple ways by discursive formations
-> self as fragmented and not unified
What is Essentialism and Non-essentialism?
Essentialism:
- identity is fixed by biological markers (true identity)
- E.g. Asians have certain characteristics that Europeans can’t have
- originating momment
Non-essentialism:
- Identity can be changed
- The ways be think and act are shaped by the social environment
What are Key Concepts in Social Constructivist Approaches to Identity
Identities are socially constructed and change over time; they are both abstract and material.
Our self-experience is shaped by social environments and interactions with others (family, workplace, school).
We define ourselves based on how others see us and how we respond to them.
Material and economic circumstances also influence identity formation.
Karl Marx’s idea: “Social being determines consciousness” (historical materialism).
- Identity markers are shaped by materialism, emphasizing the role of time and place.
- Marx’s question: Does consciousness shape our being, or does our social environment shape our consciousness?
Intersectionality: One person cannot be defined by a single category; multiple factors intersect in their identity.
What is Subject Interpellation? (Luis Althusser)
- identity as the interface between a private sense of self (beliefs, feelings, motivation) and the social context (age, ethinicity, sex)
Subject interpellation:
- The process by which individuals are “hailed” and turned into subjects within an ideological system.
- Coined by Louis Althusser
- Example: A police officer calls “Hey, you!” and you instinctively respond → You recognize yourself as a subject of law.
- Interpellation happens automatically and shapes how we see ourselves in society.
Subjects feel “free” but are actually shaped by ideology and power structures.
How does interpellation limit and define individuals?
Interpellation places individuals within a framework of meaning (e.g., a citizen under the law, a student in a school).
It limits freedom by making people conform to expected roles and behaviors.
People accept their subject positions voluntarily, often without noticing the process.
Example:
- Stop-and-search practices reinforce racial and social identities.
- People labeled as “troublemakers” or “low achievers” internalize these identities.
- Althusser’s paradox: A subject is both “free” and subjugated at the same time.
What is Liberalism?
Connected to humanism:
- Subjects are autonomous -> have free will
- Can both act in the world, and be affected by outside forces
- Enlightenment (Declaration of Independence, Abolition movement)
