Postmodern

View of the Self

Objectives
• Know the meaning of postmodernism

• Learn about the important aspects of postmodern view of the

self
• Define postmodern view of the self at the end of the lesson
What is Postmodernism?
 Postmodernism
• A complex and multifaceted cultural and intellectual movement
that has had a profound impact on the way we think about the
world.
• It emerged as a reaction to the failures of modernism.
• Emphasized the importance of pluralism, diversity, and
subjective experience.
Michael Foucault
(French Philosopher)

“The self is also seen as a product

of modern
discourse that is socially and
historically conditioned”
Important aspects
 Multiplicity
Postmodernism rejects the idea of a fixed or essential self.
People are seen as having multiple, often contradictory,
identities that are context-dependent and these identities can
change overtime.
 Protean
The person have the ability to continually change their
nature, appearance, or behaviour.
 Deconstruction of Binary Oppositions
Postmodernism challenges binary oppositions such as self/other,
mind/body, and subject/object. It argues that these dualisms are
arbitrary and culturally constructed, blurring the boundaries
between them. This blurring leads to a more complex
understanding of the self as intertwined with the other and
inseparable from the external world.
 Reflexivity
Encourages individuals to reflect critically on their own
identities and the narratives that shape them.
SELF AWARENESS
 Subjectivity and Relativism
It emphasizes the subjective nature of knowledge and the
relativity of truth, suggesting that different individuals and
cultures may have their own valid perspectives.
 Social and Cultural Construction
Emphasizes that the self is socially and culturally
constructed. It suggests that our identities are shaped by
language, discourse, and the dominant power structures in
society. Identity is not something inherent but a product of
social forces and historical context.
Gender Manners
 Postmodern View of the Self
• Is a diverse and evolving perspective. It may also emphasize
various aspects to different degree and argue that the self is a
social construct shaped by language, power dynamics, and
cultural narratives.
Thankyou!