Postmodernism views the self as multifaceted, context-dependent, and socially constructed. It rejects the idea of a fixed or essential self, seeing people as having multiple, often contradictory identities that can change over time and depend on context. Postmodernism also emphasizes that the self is shaped by language, discourse, power structures in society, and is a product of social forces and historical context rather than something inherent. It challenges binary oppositions and encourages critical reflection on one's own identities and the narratives that shape them.

1. Postmodern
View of the Self

2. •
•
•

3. What is
Postmodernism?

4. 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.

6. “The self is also seen as a
product of modern
discourse that is socially
and historically
conditioned”
(French
Philosopher)

7. Important aspects

8. 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.

10. Protean
The person have the ability to continually
change their nature, appearance, or behaviour.

12. 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.

14. Reflexivity
Encourages individuals to reflect critically on
their own identities and the narratives that
shape them.

15. SELF
AWARENESS

16. 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.

18. 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.

19. Gender Manners

20. • 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.
Postmodern View of the Self