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The Self as Social Construction

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Abstract

The paper begins with the articulation of key assumptions central to contemporary constructionist scholarship. This is followed by an analysis of the issues in the social construction of the self. To this end several major lines of inquiry along with their socio-political implications are brought into focus. Finally, an alternative to traditional conceptions of self, one that emerges distinctly from social constructionist theory is presented.

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Notes

  1. For a more detailed account of these critiques within psychology, see Gergen (1994). Additional accounts of social constructionist premises and potentials may be found in Potter 1996, Gergen 2009, and Hacking 1999.

  2. It should be noted that the term constructivism is sometimes used interchangeably with constructionism. However, unlike social construction, early scholars tended to define constructivism in terms of cognitive processes within the individual mind. However, recent scholarship has made it increasingly difficult to sustain the distinction between constructivism and constructionism. Constructivists increasingly view mental practices as reflections or embodiments of social process. Many now speak of social constructivism, or use the terms interchangeably.

  3. See, for example, Benwell and Stokoe (2006).

  4. See also Rose (1985, 1990).

  5. See, for example, Gelpi (1989), Hewitt (1989), Bellah et al. (1985), Heller et al. (1986), Lasch (1978) and Leary (2004).

  6. See also Neimeyer (2000), and Fee (2000).

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Correspondence to Kenneth J. Gergen.

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Gergen, K.J. The Self as Social Construction. Psychol Stud 56, 108–116 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-011-0066-1

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