Theoretical / Feminist Theory
Beyond Identity: Feminism, Identity and Identity Politics
Abstract Hekman provides a dual critique: first, of the theory of identity advanced by Judith Butler and many feminist critics of identity politics, and second, of identity politics itself. She argues that Butler's rejection of the modernist subject for its opposite - the fictional, substanceless subject - is untenable. Drawing on object relations theory, she proposes a concept of the subject as an 'ungrounded ground,' occupying a middle position between postmodern and modern subjects. Regarding identity politics, Hekman controversially argues for removing identity entirely from the political realm rather than populating it with multiple identities.
Susan Hekman / Read paper