Subjectivation: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept
Subjectivation derives from the Latin root subjectum, meaning that which is “thrown under.” In philosophy and social theory, it refers to the complex processes by which individuals become subjects. These processes are shaped by power relations, social norms, cultural discourses, and a person’s own agency. Subjectivation is not a passive process of being molded, but an ongoing, dynamic one where the individual both internalizes and potentially resists these shaping forces.
Meanings and Concepts
- Formation of Subjectivity: The development of a sense of self, including thoughts, feelings, desires, and a unique identity within the context of society.
- Power and Subjection: Subjectivation is often inseparable from power; we become subjects through systems of control and discipline (think schools, laws, social expectations), subtly shaping how we understand ourselves.
- Agency within Constraints: While influenced by external forces, individuals are not entirely determined by them. Subjectivation involves a degree of choice and the possibility of resistance or transformation of those forces.
- Interpellation: The process where ideologies “hail” or call out individuals, inviting them to recognize themselves as particular kinds of subjects (for example, a “good citizen,” a “consumer,” etc.).
- Foucault and Butler: Key theorists on subjectivation, though with different emphases. Foucault analyzed power in shaping subjectivity, while Butler emphasized performativity – the idea that we become subjects through repeated actions and expressions within a social framework.
Subjectivation: Definition of a Theoretical Term
Subjectivation is the process by which individuals develop their unique sense of self in relation to societal forces, power structures, and cultural influences. It involves a complex interplay between being shaped by external factors and the individual’s own capacity for agency and resistance. Subjectivation is an ongoing process, where our sense of self is continuously negotiated and reshaped throughout life.
Subjectivation: Theorists, Works, and Arguments
Michel Foucault (1926-1984):
- Works: Discipline and Punish, History of Sexuality
- Argument: Subjectivation is the ongoing process by which individuals are shaped by power relations. Power doesn’t just repress, it produces subjects through discourse, institutions, and social practices. We are not simply subjected to power, but actively involved in shaping our own identities within these power structures.
Louis Althusser (1918-1990):
- Work: Interpellation (concept from his writings on Ideology and State Apparatuses)
- Argument: Focuses on the concept of “interpellation,” where individuals are “called into being” as subjects through ideology. Social institutions like schools and media hail us as particular kinds of subjects, shaping our sense of self.
Judith Butler (b. 1956):
- Works: Gender Trouble
- Argument: Builds on Althusser’s interpellation to explore how gender is a performative act. We are not assigned a fixed gender identity, but rather perform gender through our actions and expressions. Subjectivation here is the ongoing process of becoming a gendered subject.
Key Points about Subjectivation:
- Dual Nature: Subjectivation is a double process of both being subjected to external forces and actively becoming a subject through our interpretations and actions.
- Power and Agency: Power shapes subjectivity, but individuals also have some agency in negotiating their identities within these power structures.
- Ongoing Process: Subjectivation is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that unfolds throughout our lives as we interact with the world.
Additional Notes:
- Subjectivation is a complex concept with various interpretations. These are just some of the major theorists who have explored the idea.
- The concept is used in various fields like sociology, psychology, and cultural studies.
Subjectivation: Major Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description | Literary Reference |
| Dual Nature | Individuals are both shaped by external forces (subjected) and actively participate in shaping their identities (becoming). | * Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Jane is subjected to the harsh conditions of Lowood School, yet actively rebels and forms her own sense of self. |
| Power and Agency | Power relations influence subjectivity, but individuals have some agency in negotiating their identities within these structures. | * 1984 by George Orwell: Winston Smith is subjected to the totalitarian regime of Oceania, but attempts to resist through his forbidden relationship with Julia. |
| Discourse and Identity | Language and social narratives shape how we understand ourselves and others. | * To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Scout Finch’s understanding of race and justice is shaped by the narratives she encounters in her Southern town. |
| Performance and Subjectivity | Our actions and expressions contribute to the performance of our identities. | * The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Jay Gatsby reinvents himself through wealth and extravagant parties, performing a new identity to gain Daisy’s love. |
| Unfixed and Ongoing | Subjectivity is not static; it’s a continuous process influenced by experiences throughout life. | * Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Throughout the play, Hamlet grapples with revenge, grief, and his sense of purpose, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of his subjectivity. |
Subjectivation: Relevance in Literary Theories
- Understanding Character Development: Traditionally, character development might focus on a character’s arc from point A to point B. Subjectivity, however, offers a more nuanced perspective. It allows us to see characters as constantly influenced by internal desires, external pressures, and their interactions with the world around them. This approach reveals a dynamic process where characters are not simply passive recipients of experience but actively engaged in shaping their identities. We can see how a traumatic event, a chance encounter, or even a shift in internal beliefs can lead to a character questioning their values, goals, and sense of self. This focus on ongoing subjectivity allows for a richer portrayal of character development, capturing the complexities of how individuals form and reform their identities.
- Power Dynamics and Narrative: Literary narratives often depict characters navigating power structures, whether it be social class, gender roles, or political systems. Subjectivity helps us examine how these power dynamics shape characters’ sense of self. We can analyze how characters resist or conform to societal expectations, and how these struggles influence their actions and choices. For instance, a character from a marginalized background might constantly negotiate their self-presentation to navigate a dominant culture. Conversely, a character in a position of power might struggle with the limitations it imposes on their personal identity. By analyzing the interplay between power and subjectivity, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping characters’ lives and the narratives that unfold.
- Social and Historical Context: Subjectivity emphasizes the influence of a character’s social and historical context on their identity formation. Characters are not isolated entities; their experiences and beliefs are shaped by the social norms, cultural values, and historical events of their time. Analyzing characters through the lens of subjectivation allows us to explore how these broader contexts influence their thoughts, motivations, and actions. For example, a character living during a period of social upheaval might question traditional values and seek to forge a new identity that aligns with their evolving beliefs. Similarly, a character from a rigidly stratified society might grapple with the limitations placed upon them by their social class. By considering the social and historical context, we gain a richer understanding of why characters behave in certain ways and the challenges they face in shaping their identities.
Subjectivation: Application in Critiques
| Literary Work | Author | Subjectivation Analysis |
| 1984 | George Orwell | Winston Smith’s subjectivity is shaped by the totalitarian regime of Oceania. He is subjected to constant surveillance and indoctrination, which attempts to control his thoughts and actions. However, Winston exhibits agency by maintaining an internal rebellion through his forbidden relationship with Julia. This act of resistance demonstrates the ongoing negotiation of subjectivity even under oppressive power structures. |
| The Great Gatsby | F. Scott Fitzgerald | Jay Gatsby reinvents himself through wealth and extravagant parties. This performance of a new identity is driven by his desire to recapture the past and win Daisy’s love. However, Gatsby’s subjectivity remains tied to his past experiences and ultimately proves unsustainable. This analysis highlights how subjectivity is constructed through actions and social interactions, but can also be limited by past experiences and social expectations. |
| Jane Eyre | Charlotte Brontë | Jane Eyre endures harsh conditions at Lowood School, which attempts to suppress her individuality. Despite being subjected to this institutional power, Jane rebels through her strong will and unwavering sense of self-worth. She actively seeks opportunities for education and personal growth, forming her own subjectivity in defiance of societal expectations placed upon a young woman of her social class. This highlights the dual nature of subjectivation, where individuals are both shaped by external forces and actively participate in shaping their identities. |
| To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee | Scout Finch’s understanding of race and justice is shaped by the narratives she encounters in her Southern town. Initially influenced by the prevailing racist attitudes, Scout’s encounters with Atticus Finch and Tom Robinson challenge her existing worldview. Through these experiences, Scout’s subjectivity evolves as she develops a stronger sense of empathy and social justice. This analysis demonstrates how discourse and social narratives shape subjectivity, highlighting the influence of external forces on our understanding of ourselves and the world. |
Subjectivation: Relevant Terms
| Term | Short Definition |
| Ideology | A system of ideas and beliefs that justifies a particular social order and shapes how we understand the world. |
| Discourse | Specific ways of using language that reflect and produce knowledge within a particular social context. |
| Power Relations | Unequal distribution of power that shapes social interactions and individual identities. |
| Interpellation | Process by which individuals are “hailed” into particular subject positions by ideology and social institutions. |
| Hegemony | Dominant cultural ideology that shapes the way we think and behave, often in subtle ways. |
| Abjection | The process of being excluded or cast out from a social group or category. |
| Agency | The capacity of individuals to act and make choices, even within constraining social structures. |
| Embodiment | The way our lived experiences are shaped by our physical bodies. |
| Performativity | The idea that identity is not fixed but rather produced through our actions and social interactions. |
| Becoming | The ongoing process of forming and reforming our identities throughout our lives. |
Subjectivation: Suggested Readings
- Althusser, Louis. Interpellation. Lenin and Philosophy, and Other Essays. New Left Books, 1971.
- Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
- Discourse Analysis & Subjectivity. http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/20-21/dpt/cxlasc11159.htm, University of Edinburgh. Accessed 25 March 2024.
- Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish. Translated by Alan Sheridan, Penguin Books, 1977.
- —. History of Sexuality. Vol. 1, An Introduction, translated by Robert Hurley, Pantheon Books, 1978.
- Hall, Stuart. “The Subject and Power.” On Ideology, edited by Colin Critical Reader in Contemporary Cultural Theory, Routledge, 2000, pp. 188-201.
- subjectivity | social theory. https://plato.stanford.edu/. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Accessed 25 March 2024.
- Žižek, Slavoj. The Subject Less Knows: Lacan Between Althusser and Marx. Continuum, 2008.
