Multiples: On the Contemporary Politics of Subjectivity

Summarizes recent debate on the nature of subjectivity & its possible relations to emancipatory action, comparing the arguments of feminists, critical theorists, & postmodernists. It is then argued that the unitary subject is simply one mode of subjectivity that can only be experienced at th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human studies 1993-04, Vol.16 (1/2), p.33-49
Main Author: Flax, Jane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activism
Adults
Critical Theory
Empiricism
Feminism
Political Factors
Postfeminism
Postmodern feminism
Postmodern philosophy
Postmodernism
Self
Self Actualization
Social interaction
Subjectivity
Western civilization
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Summarizes recent debate on the nature of subjectivity & its possible relations to emancipatory action, comparing the arguments of feminists, critical theorists, & postmodernists. It is then argued that the unitary subject is simply one mode of subjectivity that can only be experienced at the cost of other aspects of subjectivity & does not provide a firm foundation for emancipatory action. On the other hand, it does not follow that all discourse about subjectivity must be abandoned. An alternative conception of subjectivity as heterogeneous, multiple, & fluid is offered, & contrasted with two other possible forms -- one similar to that celebrated by some postmodernists (borderline) & the other similar to that in modern instrumental cultures (schizoid). Ways that clinical experience can be used to construct both phenomenologies of modes of subjectivity & to evaluate their intrapsychic & intersubjective consequences are detailed. The desirability of a more heterogeneous subjectivity is defended on intrapsychic, ethical, & political grounds. 59 References. Modified AA
ISSN:0163-8548
1572-851X
DOI:10.1007/BF01318570