Primordialism is a theoretical perspective in social science that posits the existence of deeply ingrained, inherent, and unchanging characteristics within individuals or groups, often rooted in biology, history, or culture.
Primordialism: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept
Etymology: The term “primordialism” derives from the Latin “primordialis,” signifying “original” or “earliest.” This etymology aligns with the theory’s central tenets.
Meanings: Primordialism is a theoretical perspective positing that ethnic identities and nations are enduring, deeply rooted constructs. It emphasizes factors such as kinship, shared language, cultural traditions, or territory as the unalterable foundations of these affiliations. Primordialism asserts that such ethnic identities possess a natural, inherent quality for individuals from the moment of birth.
Concept: The core principle of primordialism is the belief in the timeless existence of nations or ethnic communities. Proponents of primordialism view ethnic or national identity as a fundamental aspect of an individual, deeply embedded in a manner akin to biological inheritance. This perspective contrasts with other theoretical approaches that regard ethnicity and nationalism as socially constructed phenomena subject to evolution and change throughout history.
Primordialism is a theoretical perspective in social science that posits the existence of deeply ingrained, inherent, and unchanging characteristics within individuals or groups, often rooted in biology, history, or culture. It suggests that these primordial factors, such as ethnicity, religion, or language, are fundamental and enduring elements of identity that shape social behavior and interactions. Primordialism contrasts with constructivism, which emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping identity and group affiliations.
Primordialism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments
Theorist
Works
Main Arguments
Clifford Geertz
The Interpretation of Cultures
Geertz argues that primordial ties to culture, religion, and ethnicity are deeply embedded in human psychology and serve as foundational elements of social identity.
Anthony D. Smith
Ethnic Origins of Nations
Smith’s work explores the primordialist perspective on ethnicity, contending that it arises from shared historical experiences and cultural memories passed down through generations.
Ernest Gellner
Nations and Nationalism
Gellner’s theory of nationalism suggests that primordial ties to language and culture are essential for the formation of modern nation-states, shaping collective identity.
Donald Horowitz
Ethnic Groups in Conflict
Horowitz examines primordialist arguments in the context of ethnic conflict, highlighting how deeply-rooted ethnic identities contribute to intergroup tensions and violence.
Walker Connor
Ethnonationalism: The Quest for Understanding
Connor’s work delves into the concept of ethnonationalism, emphasizing the primordial nature of ethnic identity and its role in fueling nationalist movements.
These theorists and their works have contributed to the development and understanding of primordialism as a theoretical perspective within the social sciences.
Primordialism: Major Characteristics
Inherent and Unchanging Identity: Primordialism suggests that individuals possess an inherent and unchanging identity tied to factors like ethnicity or nationality. In “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, the protagonist Amir’s sense of identity as an Afghan is deeply ingrained, shaping his actions and relationships throughout the novel.
Cultural and Historical Continuity: Primordialist perspectives emphasize the continuity of culture and history in shaping identity. In Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” the Buendía family’s identity is intricately tied to their cultural heritage and the history of Macondo, reflecting the primordial nature of their identity.
Emphasis on Group Solidarity: Primordialism highlights the importance of group solidarity based on shared characteristics. In Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” the Igbo community’s sense of identity and cohesion is rooted in shared cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions, illustrating the strength of primordial ties.
Conflict and Division: Primordialist perspectives often lead to conflict and division between groups with different identities. In William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” the boys’ descent into savagery reflects the breakdown of societal norms and the emergence of primal, primordial instincts that lead to conflict and violence.
Primordialism challenges formalist approaches by emphasizing the significance of inherent, unchanging identities and cultural backgrounds in shaping characters and their interactions.
Primordialism intersects with reader-response criticism by highlighting how readers’ interpretations are influenced by their own primordial identities and cultural perspectives.
Primordialism can be critiqued in postcolonial theory for essentializing identities and overlooking the complexities of hybridity and cultural negotiation in colonial and postcolonial contexts.
Primordialism in feminist criticism may be examined for its portrayal of essentialized gender roles and identities, highlighting the need to deconstruct and challenge fixed notions of femininity and masculinity.
Primordialism intersects with Marxist criticism by emphasizing the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping primordial identities, while also critiquing its tendency to overlook the role of class struggle and historical materialism.
Primordialism can be analyzed through psychoanalytic criticism by exploring how unconscious desires and primal instincts influence characters’ primordial identities and behaviors in literature.
Primordialism: Application in Critiques
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya:
Primordialism can be applied to analyze the protagonist Antonio’s deep connection to his Mexican-American heritage and the cultural traditions passed down through generations.
The novel explores the primordial ties of the Chicano community to their ancestral roots and the enduring influence of indigenous beliefs and spirituality on their identities.
A primordialist critique could examine how characters’ identities are shaped by their cultural backgrounds and the tensions that arise between preserving tradition and adapting to changing societal norms.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz:
Primordialism can be used to analyze the protagonist Oscar’s struggle with his Dominican-American identity and the intergenerational trauma stemming from his family’s history.
The novel explores the primordial ties of the Dominican diaspora to their homeland and the cultural legacies that shape their sense of self and belonging.
A primordialist critique might focus on how characters navigate the complexities of dual identity and the ways in which cultural heritage influences their actions and relationships.
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros:
Primordialism can be applied to analyze the protagonist Esperanza’s connection to her Mexican-American community and the cultural bonds that define her sense of belonging.
The novel explores the primordial ties of the Latino neighborhood to its cultural roots and the collective identity shaped by shared experiences of migration and marginalization.
A primordialist critique could examine how characters negotiate their identities within the context of their cultural heritage and the pressures to assimilate into mainstream society.
How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez:
Primordialism can be used to analyze the García sisters’ struggle with their Dominican-American identity and the tension between their primordial ties to their homeland and their adaptation to American culture.
The novel explores the primordial bonds of the Dominican diaspora to their cultural roots and the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in a new environment.
A primordialist critique might focus on how characters grapple with the complexities of dual identity and the ways in which their cultural heritage shapes their perceptions of self and belonging.
Primordialism: Relevant Terms
Term
Definition
Ethnicity
A social group characterized by shared cultural traits, such as language, religion, and customs, often forming the basis of primordial identity.
The philosophical concept that attributes fixed, inherent qualities to individuals or groups, often associated with primordialist views of identity.
Homeland
The place or region considered as the native land or ancestral territory of a particular ethnic or cultural group, central to primordialist notions of identity.
Kinship
Social relationships based on familial ties, often serving as a primary source of primordial affiliation and identity.
Blood ties
Biological relationships within a family or community, viewed as fundamental to primordial identity and group solidarity.
The tendency to evaluate other cultures according to the standards of one’s own culture, often reinforced by primordialist beliefs in the superiority of one’s own group.
Group Identity
The collective sense of belonging and shared characteristics among individuals within a particular social, cultural, or ethnic group, central to primordialist perspectives.
Prejudice is a theoretical term in social psychology that denotes a negative attitude or judgment held towards individuals or groups based on their membership in a particular category, such as race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
Prejudice: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
Prejudice” originates from the Latin word “praejudicium,” meaning “prejudgment.” The term refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes held towards a person or group, often without proper examination or evidence.
Meanings and concepts associated with prejudice include:
Preconceived Judgment: It involves forming opinions or making judgments about individuals or groups based on stereotypes, assumptions, or preconceptions rather than on objective information or personal experience.
Negative Bias: It often entails a negative bias, leading to unfair treatment or discrimination against the targeted individual or group.
Ingroup vs. Outgroup: It can arise from a perceived sense of difference between one’s own group (ingroup) and others (outgroups), leading to favoritism towards the ingroup and hostility or mistrust towards outgroups.
Socialization and Cultural Influence: It can be learned through socialization processes, influenced by cultural norms, media portrayals, and interpersonal interactions.
Psychological Mechanisms: Psychological mechanisms such as categorization, confirmation bias, and scapegoating contribute to the formation and maintenance of prejudicial attitudes.
Impact on Society: It can have significant social, economic, and political ramifications, perpetuating inequality, fueling conflicts, and hindering social cohesion and progress.
Prejudice is a theoretical term in social psychology that denotes a negative attitude or judgment held towards individuals or groups based on their membership in a particular category, such as race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. It involves prejudging others without adequate information or rational basis, often leading to discriminatory behaviors or unfair treatment. Prejudice can manifest through various forms, including stereotypes, biases, and scapegoating, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping intergroup relations and societal dynamics.
Prejudice: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Theorist/School of Thought
Notable Works
Key Arguments
Gordon Allport
The Nature of Prejudice (1954)
* Introduced the concept of in-groups and out-groups, arguing that prejudice arises from a fundamental human need to categorize and form social groups. * Proposed a scale of prejudice ranging from mild antilocution (negative talk) to extreme acts of violence and genocide.
Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner)
* Various journal publications*
* People derive self-esteem from their group memberships. To enhance this, they tend to favor their in-group and may discriminate against out-groups. * Even minimal group distinctions can lead to prejudice.
Theodor Adorno (Authoritarian Personality)
The Authoritarian Personality (1950)
* Prejudice stems from a deep-seated personality type characterized by rigidity, intolerance of ambiguity, and a need for obedience and submission to authority.
Implicit Bias (Greenwald, Banaji)
Various research studies, Implicit Association Test (IAT)
* Prejudice can exist at an unconscious level. We may harbor implicit biases that contradict our explicit, conscious beliefs about equality.
Scapegoat Theory
Not attributed to a single theorist
* Argues that prejudice emerges when individuals or groups face frustration and need a target to blame. Minorities or out-groups become scapegoats for social or economic problems.
Important Considerations
Intersectionality: It targets not just race or ethnicity, but also factors like gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and more. Theories need to account for how these categories intersect.
Social Change: Understanding it is crucial for addressing discrimination and creating a more just society.
Evolving field: Its Theories continue to develop, becoming more nuanced with further research.
Prejudice: Major Characteristics
Preconceived judgments: Forming opinions about an individual or group without sufficient knowledge or experience.
Literary example: In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet forms a strong negative prejudicial attitude against Mr. Darcy based on a single encounter, leading her to misjudge his character.
Stereotyping: Applying over-generalized beliefs to entire groups of people, ignoring individual differences.
Literary example: Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice portrays the Jewish moneylender Shylock through harmful stereotypes of greed and vengefulness, reflecting antisemitic prejudices of the time.
Resistance to change: Holding steadfast to prejudicial beliefs even when presented with contradictory evidence.
Literary Example: In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the racism of Maycomb residents prevents them from seeing Tom Robinson’s innocence despite the compelling evidence in his defense.
Dehumanization: Viewing members of a target group as less than fully human, stripping them of empathy and compassion.
Literary Example: Toni Morrison’s Beloved explores the horrors of slavery and the ways it dehumanized enslaved people. Plantation owners justified their brutal treatment by constructing an ideology of Black people as inherently inferior.
Justification: Creating rationalizations for prejudiced beliefs to maintain a sense of righteousness or superiority.
Literary example: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the pigs, after seizing power, gradually rewrite the rules of equality to justify their own increasingly oppressive behavior.
Important Notes:
Prejudice in literature: Authors often portray prejudice to expose its flaws and promote social critique, not always to endorse prejudicial ideas themselves.
Complexity: Prejudice can be overt or subtle, conscious or unconscious.
Social context: Historical and social contexts heavily influence how prejudice is expressed in literature.
Examines the reader’s role in creating meaning from the text.
* How do a reader’s own prejudices and experiences color their interpretation of a text? * Can reading about prejudice lead to greater understanding and empathy in the reader?
Examines the cultural legacy of colonialism and imperialism.
* How does literature portray prejudice rooted in race, ethnicity, and power hierarchies created by colonialism? * Can literature help deconstruct harmful narratives of the “other” prevalent in colonialist works?
Examines racism as embedded within systems and institutions, not just individual acts.
* How is structural racism reflected and reinforced in literature? * How do works by authors of color challenge and expose societal prejudice?
Prejudice: Application in Critiques
1. Albert Camus’ The Stranger (French)
Prejudice against the “Other”: The protagonist Meursault is an outsider due to his emotional detachment and perceived indifference to social norms. His trial and conviction reflect society’s prejudice against those who do not conform.
Prejudice of Colonialism: Set in French Algeria, the novel subtly reveals the colonial power structures and prejudices held towards the native Arab population.
Critique: Camus challenges the reader to consider how societal expectations and rigid judgments lead to the condemnation of individuals who defy convention.
Racial Type in America and beyond: The protagonist, Ifemelu, encounters various forms of racial prejudice as a Nigerian woman living in the United States. The novel also explores prejudiced perspectives within Nigeria.
Intersectionality: Adichie highlights how race intersects with gender, class, and nationality to shape experiences of prejudice.
Critique: The novel challenges simplistic notions of race and identity while illustrating the complex and lingering effects of prejudice even in seemingly progressive societies.
3. Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment (Russian)
Prejudice against the Poor: Protagonist Raskolnikov commits a crime, driven in part by poverty and desperation. The novel explores social prejudicial behavior that marginalize those of lower classes.
Internalized Prejudice: Many characters harbor self-hatred and internalize negative societal judgments based on their background or circumstances.
Critique: Dostoevsky examines the psychological toll of prejudice and how it can corrupt an individual’s sense of morality.
4. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner (Afghan-American)
Ethnic Type: The central tension arises from it against the Hazara ethnic minority by the Pashtuns in Afghanistan.
Intergenerational Trauma: The novel reveals how historical prejudices and events can shape the lives of individuals and perpetuate cycles of conflict.
Critique: Hosseini exposes the devastating effects of ethnic type while also highlighting the potential for redemption and the complex nature of forgiveness.
Important Considerations
Global Perspective: Examining foreign novels helps illuminate how it manifests in different cultural contexts.
Contemporary Relevance: Newer works highlight how it continues to evolve and impact societies today.
Praxis refers to the practical application of knowledge or theory into action. It involves translating abstract concepts into tangible outcomes through deliberate engagement with real-world situations.
Praxis: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
From Ancient Origins to Modern Relevance:
Born from the Greek “πρᾶξις” (praxis), meaning “action,” praxis has traversed millennia. From philosophers like Aristotle recognizing its role in human fulfillment to its contemporary usage in diverse fields, praxis advocates for bridging the gap between knowledge and application.
Key Principles:
Transforming Knowledge: Praxis isn’t simply applying theory; it’s actively engaging with it, testing its efficacy in practice, and transforming understanding through real-world experience.
Cyclicality and Reflection: Praxis thrives on a dynamic feedback loop. Action informs critical reflection, leading to revised approaches and deeper learning, fostering continuous growth.
Embracing Experience: Learning by doing lies at the heart of praxis. It values the rich insights gained through hands-on engagement, fostering deeper understanding and problem-solving skills.
Transcending Boundaries: Praxis isn’t confined to a single domain. It permeates education, healthcare, social work, and beyond, serving as a cornerstone for effective and impactful professional practice.
Professional Dimensions:
Cultivating Reflective Practice: Regularly analyzing successes and challenges from a critical lens informs future actions, leading to enhanced effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Driving Positive Change: Praxis doesn’t shy away from action. It empowers individuals to navigate complex situations, contribute to systemic change, and make a tangible difference in the world.
Nurturing Contextual Sensitivity: Recognizing the unique circumstances and individuals involved in each situation ensures interventions are tailored, relevant, and ultimately impactful.
Upholding Ethical Principles: Praxis demands action rooted in values of fairness, respect, and responsibility, ensuring interventions align not just with goals, but with ethical considerations.
Praxis refers to the practical application of knowledge or theory into action. It involves translating abstract concepts into tangible outcomes through deliberate engagement with real-world situations. Praxis embodies a cyclical process of learning, doing, reflecting, and refining, serving as a fundamental framework for transformative action across various disciplines.
Praxis: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Praxis, signifying “action” or “engagement” in its ancient Greek roots, transcends mere implementation. It embodies a dynamic interplay between theory and practice, shaping professional discourses across diverse fields. Let’s delve into the contributions of several key theorists who have enriched our understanding of praxis:
1. The Frankfurt School:
Theorists: Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, Jürgen Habermas
Key Works:Dialectic of Enlightenment, Minima Moralia, One-Dimensional Man, Theory of Communicative Action
Arguments: Critiquing the rise of instrumental reason and mass culture, these thinkers viewed praxis as a tool for challenging alienation and domination. They advocated for critical reflection and active engagement to achieve emancipation and social transformation.
2. Paulo Freire:
Key Works:Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Education for Critical Consciousness, Letters to a Young Teacher
Arguments: Freire, championing a critical pedagogy based on dialogue and collaboration, envisioned praxis as a means for empowerment and transformative action. He emphasized its role in fostering individual and community agency to confront oppression and achieve social justice.
3. Antonio Gramsci:
Key Works:Selections from the Prison Notebooks, Letters from Prison
Arguments: Gramsci, analyzing the role of culture and hegemony in maintaining power structures, argued for a “war of position.” This involved building counter-hegemonic cultural projects that challenge dominant ideologies and pave the way for social change. He viewed praxis as crucial in transforming consciousness and achieving cultural hegemony.
4. Pierre Bourdieu:
Key Works:Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, Reproduction in Education, Society and Culture, The Field of Cultural Production
Arguments: Bourdieu developed a theory of social reproduction highlighting the interplay of cultural, social, and economic capital in perpetuating inequalities. He advocated for reflexivity and engagement with the social world as means to challenge dominant structures and enact meaningful change.
5. bell hooks:
Key Works:Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism, Feminism is for Everybody, Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom
Arguments: hooks, examining the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality, envisioned praxis as a tool for liberation and social justice. Her critical and engaged pedagogy empowered individuals and communities to confront oppression and transform their realities.
These represent just a handful of the many theorists who have shaped and enriched our understanding of praxis. Their diverse perspectives continue to offer valuable insights for individuals and professionals seeking to bridge the gap between theory and action, ultimately enacting positive change in the world around them.
Praxis: Major Characteristics
1. Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap:
Actively engages with theoretical frameworks, not just passively applying them.
Tests and refines understanding through real-world application.
Integrates knowledge, skills, and values into impactful interventions.
2. Cyclical and Reflective:
Fosters a continuous loop of action, reflection, and improvement.
Analyzes successes and failures to inform future approaches.
Embraces ongoing learning and adaptation based on lived experiences.
3. Experiential Learning:
Values the rich insights gained through hands-on engagement.
Learning by doing becomes central to problem-solving and skill development.
Encourages critical thinking and analysis of lived experiences.
4. Contextual Sensitivity:
Recognizes the unique circumstances and individuals involved in each situation.
Tailors interventions to specific needs and cultural contexts.
Promotes responsiveness and adaptability to ever-changing environments.
5. Ethical Alignment:
Demands action grounded in values of fairness, respect, and responsibility.
Ensures interventions align with moral principles and serve the greater good.
Promotes ethical consideration throughout the praxis process.
6. Transformative Power:
Aims to enact positive change within individuals, communities, and systems.
Challenges the status quo and promotes social justice and equity.
Empowers individuals to navigate complex situations and make a difference.
7. Transdisciplinary Relevance:
Applicable across diverse fields like education, healthcare, social work, and management.
Provides a framework for effective and impactful professional practice.
Fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines.
By embracing these characteristics, individuals and professionals can leverage praxis to move beyond passive knowledge acquisition and transform their expertise into real, positive change in the world around them.
Praxis: Relevance in Literary Theories
Aspect
Description
Example
Engagement with Text:
Praxis encourages an active and critical engagement with texts, moving beyond passive interpretation.
Applying a psychoanalytic lens to explore themes of repression in a novel, actively searching for textual evidence and considering real-world contexts.
Interpretation and Creativity:
Praxis fosters creative interpretations and alternative viewpoints, challenging static readings.
Deconstructing traditional interpretations of a myth, using creative retellings to explore marginalized perspectives.
Dialogue and Collaboration:
Praxis emphasizes interactive learning and collaboration, moving beyond solitary analysis.
Engaging in collaborative discussions about a text, using different theoretical frameworks and perspectives to enrich understanding.
Connecting Literary Criticism to Real-World:
Praxis encourages applying literary concepts to analyze real-world issues and contemporary society.
Using feminist literary theory to critique societal gender norms and power dynamics.
Transformative Potential:
Praxis aims to use literary understanding to stimulate reflection and positive change.
Analyzing a text exploring social injustice to inspire activism and promote empathy.
Developing Critical Thinking:
Praxis fosters critical thinking skills through analysis, argumentation, and questioning assumptions.
Deconstructing the use of language in a text to uncover hidden biases and ideologies.
Praxis: Application in Critiques
1. Critique of The Great Gatsby using Marxist Lens:
Theoretical Underpinnings: Analyze how Fitzgerald’s portrayal of American Dream reinforces or challenges Marxist critique of class struggle and capitalist excess.
Praxis in Action: Examine specific scenes and character interactions to illustrate the economic inequalities and power dynamics within the narrative.
Real-World Connection: Explore how the themes of wealth, poverty, and materialism resonate with contemporary societal issues.
Potential for Change: Discuss how this critique can inform conversations about economic justice and income inequality.
2. Critique of Things Fall Apart using Feminist Lens:
Theoretical Underpinnings: Analyze Achebe’s portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics within traditional Igbo society through a feminist lens.
Praxis in Action: Examine specific examples of female characters’ experiences and how they navigate societal expectations and limitations.
Real-World Connection: Explore how the themes of gender inequality and patriarchal structures remain relevant in contemporary contexts.
Potential for Change: Discuss how this critique can inspire dialogues about gender equality and empower marginalized voices.
3. Critique of Animal Farm using Postcolonial Lens:
Theoretical Underpinnings: Analyze Orwell’s allegory through a postcolonial lens, examining themes of power dynamics, exploitation, and resistance in colonized societies.
Praxis in Action: Investigate the symbolic references to animals and their treatment to expose colonial practices and the struggle for liberation.
Real-World Connection: Explore how the critique of oppression and authoritarian regimes resonates with historical and contemporary struggles.
Potential for Change: Discuss how this critique can raise awareness about ongoing colonial legacies and inspire action for decolonization.
4. Critique of One Hundred Years of Solitude using Magical Realism Lens:
Theoretical Underpinnings: Analyze how Marquez utilizes magical realism to explore themes of history, family, and identity within Colombian context.
Praxis in Action: Examine specific passages where fantastical elements blend with reality, highlighting their symbolic and thematic significance.
Real-World Connection: Explore how the magical realism lens can illuminate aspects of Latin American history and cultural perspectives not captured by traditional storytelling.
Potential for Change: Discuss how this critique can encourage intercultural understanding and open up dialogue about different modes of representing historical realities.
Praxis: Relevant Terms
Term
Similar to Praxis
Action Research
Both involve cycles of action, reflection, and improvement.
Critical Reflection
Both emphasize analyzing experiences and outcomes critically.
Engagement
Both encourage active participation and involvement.
Experiential Learning
Both value learning through hands-on experiences.
Implementation
Both involve putting concepts into action.
Intervention
Both aim to produce change or improvement.
Pedagogy of Liberation
Both focus on empowering individuals and communities.
Praxis Group
Both involve collaborative learning and reflection.
Pragmatism is a philosophical approach emphasizing the practical consequences and usefulness of ideas.
Pragmatism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
Pragmatism: Etymology and Concept
Derived from the Greek “pragma” (deed or action), pragmatism is a philosophical tradition emphasizing the practical consequences and experiential outcomes of ideas and beliefs. Its core principles can be summarized as follows:
Meanings and Concepts
Practicality as Criterion: Pragmatism evaluates ideas, concepts, and theories based on their utility, workability, and ability to produce tangible results.
Truth as Dynamic and Contextual: Truth isn’t viewed as an absolute correspondence to reality, but as something evolving and determined by its effectiveness within specific contexts and problem-solving scenarios.
The Primacy of Experience: Pragmatists ground knowledge in direct experience, continuous experimentation, and the ability to adapt beliefs based on outcomes.
Focus on Problem-Solving: Pragmatism approaches philosophical problems from a solution-oriented perspective, valuing outcomes and resolutions over purely theoretical debates.
Rejection of Fixed Foundations: Pragmatists challenge the concept of immutable foundational truths, viewing knowledge as contingent and beliefs as subject to revision based on practical consequences and evolving experiences.
Pragmatism is a philosophical approach emphasizing the practical consequences and usefulness of ideas. It holds that the truth or meaning of a concept is determined by its practical effects and outcomes in the real world. Essentially, pragmatism focuses on what works and is effective rather than what is abstractly or theoretically true.
Pragmatism: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Theorist
Major Works
Charles Sanders Peirce
* How to Make Our Ideas Clear (1878):* Introduces the pragmatic maxim, positing that a concept’s meaning is understood through its potential practical consequences. * The Fixation of Belief (1877): Examines various methods of belief formation, championing the scientific method as the most reliable path to stable knowledge.
William James
* The Will to Believe (1896): Contends that when evidence is insufficient, we may justifiably base beliefs on passion and potential benefits. * Pragmatism (1907): A series of lectures defining pragmatism’s focus on practical results and the utility of ideas. * The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902): Analyzes religious experience from psychological and pragmatic standpoints, acknowledging its impact regardless of metaphysical truth claims.
John Dewey
* Democracy and Education (1916): Advocates for experiential and problem-solving education rooted in democratic participation. * Experience and Nature (1925): Explores the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world, outlining a process-and-change oriented philosophy. * Art as Experience (1934): Understands art as an intensified form of everyday experience, highlighting its transformative potential for individuals and society.
Richard Rorty
* Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature (1979): Challenges philosophy’s ability to perfectly represent reality (‘mirroring’), arguing that language should function as a tool for social progress. * Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity (1989): Stresses the contingent nature of language and beliefs, favoring social solidarity over the quest for absolute foundations.
Hilary Putnam
* Reason, Truth and History (1981): Rejects both metaphysical realism and radical relativism, proposing truth as what would be justified under ideal conditions of inquiry. * The Many Faces of Realism (1987): Expands his concept of ‘internal realism’, emphasizing how truths operate within our conceptual frameworks.
Pragmatism: Major Characteristics
Emphasis on Practical Consequences: Pragmatism prioritizes the practical outcomes and consequences of ideas over abstract theories or principles. This characteristic is exemplified in William James’s “The Will to Believe,” where he argues that beliefs should be judged by their practical effects rather than their abstract truth.
Problem-Solving Orientation: Pragmatism is characterized by its problem-solving approach, advocating for experimentation and adaptation to address real-world challenges. John Dewey’s “Experience and Nature” embodies this characteristic, emphasizing the importance of learning through experience and engaging with the environment to solve problems.
Rejection of Absolute Truth: Pragmatism rejects the notion of absolute truth, instead viewing truth as something that is subject to change and determined by its practical consequences. Literary works like Henry James’s “The Ambassadors” often explore this theme, portraying characters who grapple with the complexity of truth and the shifting nature of reality.
Value of Utility and Effectiveness: Pragmatism values ideas based on their utility and effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. Characters in literature, such as Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, embody this pragmatic spirit by relying on evidence and deduction to solve mysteries, demonstrating the importance of practicality and efficiency in problem-solving.
Pragmatism challenges the formalist approach by emphasizing the practical consequences and real-world applications of literary texts over strict adherence to formal structures or aesthetic principles.
Pragmatism aligns with reader-response criticism by emphasizing the importance of the reader’s interpretation and the pragmatic effects of a text on its audience, rather than seeking inherent meaning or authorial intent.
Pragmatism intersects with postcolonial theory by highlighting the practical implications of colonial legacies and advocating for adaptive, problem-solving approaches to address issues of power, identity, and representation.
Pragmatism in feminist criticism emphasizes the practical consequences of gender inequality and the need for pragmatic strategies to challenge patriarchal systems and promote gender equity in literature and society.
Pragmatism intersects with Marxist criticism by emphasizing the pragmatic effects of socioeconomic structures and advocating for practical strategies to address class struggle, inequality, and oppression in literary texts.
Pragmatism challenges psychoanalytic criticism by prioritizing practical outcomes and problem-solving over abstract psychological theories or unconscious motivations in literary analysis.
Pragmatism: Application in Critiques
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
Pragmatism could critique the characters’ relentless pursuit of the American Dream, emphasizing how their singular focus on wealth and status leads to disillusionment and moral decay.
It might analyze the pragmatic consequences of Jay Gatsby’s idealism, suggesting that his refusal to adapt to changing circumstances ultimately results in his downfall and isolation.
Additionally, pragmatism could examine the societal critique within the novel, emphasizing the practical implications of the characters’ shallow values and materialism on the fabric of American society during the Jazz Age.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe:
Pragmatism could critique the clash of cultures depicted in the novel, highlighting the pragmatic consequences of colonialism on traditional Igbo society and the erosion of cultural values and social structures.
It might analyze the pragmatic responses of characters like Okonkwo to the changes brought by colonialism, emphasizing their attempts to adapt or resist in order to navigate the shifting dynamics of power and identity.
Furthermore, pragmatism could examine the novel’s exploration of cultural memory and storytelling, emphasizing the pragmatic importance of preserving and reclaiming indigenous narratives in the face of colonial erasure.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
Pragmatism could critique the cyclical nature of history depicted in the novel, emphasizing the pragmatic consequences of the Buendía family’s actions on the fate of Macondo and its inhabitants over generations.
It might analyze the pragmatic responses of characters to the magical realism and fantastical events that occur throughout the narrative, emphasizing their practical strategies for survival and adaptation in a world of uncertainty.
Additionally, pragmatism could examine the novel’s exploration of memory and myth, emphasizing the pragmatic significance of storytelling and collective memory in shaping individual and communal identity in Latin America.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini:
Pragmatism could critique the impact of political instability and social upheaval depicted in the novel, highlighting the pragmatic consequences of conflict on personal relationships, identity, and moral responsibility.
It might analyze the pragmatic responses of characters like Amir to the trauma and guilt they experience, emphasizing their attempts to reconcile past mistakes and seek redemption in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Furthermore, pragmatism could examine the novel’s exploration of friendship and betrayal, emphasizing the pragmatic lessons characters learn about loyalty, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships in Afghanistan and the diaspora.
Pragmatism: Relevant Terms
Term
Definition
Pragmatic Maxim
A principle formulated by C.S. Peirce emphasizing that the meaning of a concept lies in its conceivable practical effects.
A perspective, particularly prominent in John Dewey’s thought, that views beliefs and ideas as tools or instruments for solving problems within specific contexts.
Experientialism
Emphasizes the central role of direct experience in forming knowledge and shaping belief.
Anti-foundationalism
Rejection of fixed, absolute foundations for knowledge, emphasizing its evolving and provisional nature.
Pluralism
Acceptance of multiple valid perspectives and interpretations of reality, open to revision based on outcomes and experience.
Fallibilism
Acknowledges that all knowledge claims are potentially subject to error and can be revised or discarded through future experiences and experimentation.
Meliorism
The belief that the world can be improved through intelligent action guided by practical consequences.
Verificationism
The concept that a statement’s meaningfulness is tied to its potential for empirical verification (often associated with logical positivism, but also relevant within pragmatism).
Social Practice
The idea that beliefs and knowledge are embedded in social practices and communities, shaped by shared purposes and outcomes.
Contingency
Stresses the idea that our beliefs and values are shaped by historical context and chance occurrences rather than arising from some predetermined necessity.
Intersectionalism is a theoretical framework that acknowledges the interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability.
Intersectionalism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
Etymology
Origin: The term “intersectionality” was introduced into critical race theory by legal scholar and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. Her goal was to illustrate how legal frameworks addressing discrimination often failed to reflect the realities of Black women living at the nexus of racial and gender-based oppression.
Conceptual Basis: The concept builds upon the metaphor of intersecting roadways. It acknowledges that individuals don’t experience discrimination along a single axis but rather navigate complex, interwoven systems of power and privilege.
Meanings
Intersectionality operates on multiple levels:
Theoretical Framework: It’s a sociological lens for analyzing how social, political, and cultural identities (e.g., race, class, gender, sexuality, disability) interact at various structural levels, resulting in complex power dynamics that shape individual experiences with privilege and oppression.
Empirical Reality: Intersectionality describes the lived experiences of individuals whose overlapping identities create unique forms of discrimination, advantage, or marginalization.
Praxis: Intersectionality guides social justice advocacy. It necessitates movements that encompass a holistic approach, addressing interlocking systems of oppression as a means to achieve comprehensive social change and equity.
Key Concepts
Interdependence of Social Systems: Systems of power (e.g. racism, sexism, classism, ableism) are not isolated. They mutually reinforce each other, creating stratified tiers of privilege and disadvantage.
Primacy of Experience: Intersectionality emphasizes the importance of lived experience in understanding how discrimination manifests. It validates those positioned at the margins, whose realities may not align with dominant narratives.
Structural Analysis: Intersectionality transcends individual-level identity exploration by examining how power structures, laws, policies, and cultural representations perpetuate inequity.
Necessity for Inclusivity: Effective social justice initiatives must be intersectional in their approach. Attempts to tackle oppression along single axes (e.g., solely gender focused) risk neglecting the compounded experiences of multiply marginalized individuals.
Intersectionalism is a theoretical framework that acknowledges the interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. It highlights how these intersecting identities create unique experiences of privilege and oppression, shaping individuals’ lives and social structures. Intersectionalism emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach to social justice that recognizes and addresses the complexities of intersecting identities.
Intersectionalism: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Theorist
Pivotal Works
Central Arguments
Kimberlé Crenshaw
Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics (1989) <br> Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color (1991)
* Introduced the term ‘intersectionality’ to illuminate the unique experiences of Black women navigating overlapping systems of racial and gender-based discrimination. * Critiqued existing legal frameworks for their inability to adequately address the compounded forms of oppression faced by multiply marginalized individuals.
Patricia Hill Collins
Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment (1990)
* Developed the concept of the “matrix of domination,” illustrating the interconnected nature of oppression based on factors like race, class, gender, and sexuality. * Emphasized the importance of Black women’s lived experiences and knowledge production as essential tools for dismantling oppressive systems.
bell hooks
Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism (1981) <br> Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center (1984)
* Examined the intersections of racism, sexism, and classism within the feminist movement, highlighting the exclusion and marginalization of Black women’s experiences. * Advocated for a more inclusive and intersectional understanding of feminist theory and praxis.
Angela Davis
Women, Race, & Class (1981)
* Analyzed the historical intersections of race, gender, and class in shaping the experiences of women in the United States, particularly Black women. * Contested the idea of a universal womanhood, emphasizing the diverse experiences shaped by social and economic structures.
Audre Lorde
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches (1984)
* Drew attention to the power dynamics operating within the feminist movement, emphasizing the need to recognize differences and build alliances across marginalized identities. * Stressed the importance of self-definition and the value of lived experience in resisting oppression.
Intersectionalism: Major Characteristics
Interconnected Identities: Intersectionalism recognizes that individuals possess multiple social identities that intersect and interact with one another.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker: This novel explores the intersection of race, gender, and class in the lives of African American women, illustrating how these identities intersect to shape their experiences and challenges.
Power Dynamics: It examines how systems of power and oppression operate differently depending on the intersection of various social identities.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: Atwood’s dystopian novel depicts a society where power dynamics based on gender, class, and religion intersect to oppress women, highlighting the complexities of power structures.
Marginalization and Privilege: Intersectionalism highlights how certain intersecting identities can lead to both privilege and marginalization within society.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: This novel explores the intersection of race and class and how they influence the protagonist’s experiences of systemic racism and police violence, shedding light on the dynamics of privilege and marginalization.
Inclusivity and Solidarity: It advocates for an inclusive approach to social justice that recognizes and addresses the complexities of intersecting identities.
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde: Lorde’s collection of essays emphasizes the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups and the need to recognize and respect each other’s intersecting identities in the fight against oppression.
These literary references provide insights into the major characteristics of intersectionalism by depicting how intersecting identities shape individuals’ experiences of power, privilege, and marginalization in society.
Examines gender roles, female representation, patriarchal systems
Beyond a singular focus on gender, intersectionality highlights how race, class, sexuality, etc., intersect to shape women’s experiences and literary portrayals.
Analyzing how black women in Toni Morrison’s fiction experience oppression differently than white women.
Explores the impact of colonialism, power imbalances between colonizer and colonized
Acknowledges that oppression is not uniform. Intersectionality considers how gender, race, class, etc., within both colonizing and colonized societies shape experiences of power and marginalization.
Examining not just the oppression of a colonized nation, but how women or lower-castes within that nation are even further disadvantaged.
Challenges heteronormativity, explores non-binary experiences of gender/sexuality.
Acknowledges the spectrum of identities within queer communities. Race, class, disability, etc., complicate and shape different experiences of queerness.
Investigating how black queer characters challenge both heteronormative and white-centric LGBTQ+ narratives.
Focuses on class struggle, economic inequality, power structures.
Intersectionality shows how class oppression is intensified by other factors. Race, gender, etc., create unique vulnerabilities within the working class.
Analyzing how a working-class single mother’s experience differs from a working-class man.
Examines how race and racism are embedded in social structures and institutions
Emphasizes that race intersects with other identities. Racism cannot be understood in isolation from class, gender, sexuality, etc.
Exploring how Asian women experience both racialized and gender-based discrimination in the workplace.
Intersectionalism: Application in Critiques
1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Focus: Black women in the American South in the early 20th century. Celie, the protagonist, endures multiple intersecting oppressions.
Intersectional Critique:
Gender and Race: Celie faces abuse by men because she’s a woman, and also faces specific dehumanization and violence due to being a Black woman.
Class and Sexuality: The well-off Sofia is initially defiant, yet even her spirit is gradually broken. Celie’s queer relationship with Shug offers a space of agency rarely afforded to black women of the time.
Disability: The novel can be explored through a disability lens as well, considering how characters with mental or physical disabilities are further marginalized within their community.
2. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Focus: Igbo society in Nigeria on the cusp of British colonization. Focus on Okonkwo, a tragically flawed hero.
Intersectional Critique:
Colonialism and Gender: While the novel critiques the impact of colonialism, it also highlights the deeply patriarchal structures within Igbo society that limit women’s autonomy.
Masculinity and Status: Okonkwo’s hyper-masculine ideals are shaped by a societal hierarchy where lineage, wealth, and even the number of wives a man has, determine respect.
Tradition vs. Change: Younger characters like Nwoye are caught between traditional values and the changes brought by colonialism, further complicated by their marginalized positions within their own community.
3. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Focus: The unnamed Black protagonist navigating a society in which his race renders him invisible despite his desire for recognition.
Intersectional Critique:
Race and Power: The novel primarily explores invisibility from a Black perspective. However, different social power structures shape the protagonist’s experience at different points in the book (e.g., in the South vs. North).
Intersection with Class: While not a central focus, the protagonist encounters Black individuals of different social classes, adding nuance to his understanding of race within American society.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Focus: A dystopian future where women are categorized based on fertility and controlled by a theocratic regime.
Intersectional Critique
Gender and Reproductive Control: The focus is on extreme patriarchy, yet this control over women’s bodies is intensified along lines of race and class.
Race and Resistance: Black women (Handmaids and Aunts) exist in this hierarchy, hinting at how racial oppression continues even within a society warped by gender-based dystopia.
Sexuality and Complicity: While women are the primary victims, the novel highlights different ways that privilege intersects with complicity (think Aunt Lydia and Serena Joy).
Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 2006.
Crenshaw, Kimberlé. Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, vol. 43, no. 6, 1991, pp. 1241-1299.
Davis, Angela Y. Women, Race & Class. Vintage Books, 1983.
Hill Collins, Patricia. Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Routledge, 2000.
hooks, bell. Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism. South End Press, 2014.
Lorde, Audre. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press, 2007.
Mohanty, Chandra Talpade. Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity. Duke University Press, 2003.
Smith, Barbara. The Truth That Never Hurts: Writings on Race, Gender, and Freedom. Rutgers University Press, 1998.
