Introductory description

This module seeks to examine sociological conceptualisations of the self and subjectivity, discuss the historical and cultural specificity of current Western conceptualisations of the individual’s relation to society, and empirically examine how in contemporary Western societies identity and a sense of self are produced for example through media interpellation, through (apparently free) choice and consumption, through the neoliberal emphasis on individual responsibility, competitiveness, flexibility, and entrepreneurialism, through public and expert discourses about the ‘normal’, through intense and constant work, and through identification and disidentification with ‘others’.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

SECTION 1: Theorising the Self in Neoliberal Societies
Week 1: Who are you? Studying the Self and Subjectivity Sociologically
Week 2: Theorising our Selves: some Key Approaches
Week 3: The Century of the Self: Subjectivity in Neoliberal Times
SECTION 2: To Be or Not To Be: Everyday Interpellations in Contemporary Western Societies
Week 4: Be Normal! ...
Week 5: …but be Unique and Express Yourself!
(Week 6: Reading Week)
Week 7: Think and Choose for Yourself! (but do what you are supposed to)
Week 8: Don’t be like them!
Week 9: Be outstanding! Improve yourself! Do not fail! Work hard! Party hard! Live life to the full!
Week 10: Take care of yourself! Sort yourself out!

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• identify and distinguish the basic principles of key sociological approaches to the study of the self, and explain how these sociological approaches have changed over time;
• identify links between the formation of individual identity and broader processes of social, political, cultural and economic change;
• offer a basic characterisation of conceptualisations of the self in contemporary Western societies;
• provide examples of how conceptualisations and constructions of the self intersect with key axes of social difference and inequality such as gender, class, 'race', sexuality, or (dis)ability;
• identify and analyse examples of 'interpellation' and construction of the self in their own lives (through the production of a reflexive journal) and in popular cultural, educational or policy texts (through the production of a research essay), drawing on key module concepts and relevant scholarly literature.
• - understand the relationship between neoliberalism and subjectivity, and explain the key characteristics of neoliberal ideals of subjectivity
• define, explain and provide examples of key concepts such as 'self', 'identity', 'interpellation', 'discourse' or 'normal';

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles and concepts involved in the study of gender and subjectivity

an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.

use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis
effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms
to specialist and non-specialist audiences and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively
undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations.

Transferable skills

the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making to include communication skills, self-reflection and empathy