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History After Lacan: Opening Out Feminism For Today

Corey Hayes

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Jacques Lacan was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. His work on psychoanalysis has had a profound impact on our understanding of the human mind, and it has also been taken up by feminist theorists and activists to develop new ways of thinking about gender and sexuality.

History After Lacan (Opening Out: Feminism for Today)

by Teresa Brennan

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	813 KB
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Print length	:	256 pages

In this book, we explore the legacy of Lacan for feminist theory and practice. We argue that Lacan's work offers a powerful lens for understanding the ways in which gender is constructed and experienced, and that it can help us to develop new strategies for resisting gender-based oppression.

Lacan's Theory of Subjectivity

Lacan's theory of subjectivity is based on the idea that the human subject is not a unified, coherent entity. Rather, the subject is a fragmented and divided being, who is constantly being shaped by the forces of language and culture.

For Lacan, the subject is first constituted in the mirror stage, when the infant sees its own reflection in the mirror and identifies with it. This identification is a crucial moment in the development of the subject, as it gives the infant a sense of self and identity.

However, the mirror stage also introduces a split into the subject, as the infant realizes that its own reflection is not identical to itself. This split is what Lacan calls the "lack," and it is a fundamental aspect of human subjectivity.

The lack means that the subject is always incomplete and desiring. It is always seeking to fill the void that was created by the mirror stage, and it is this desire that drives the subject's actions and choices.

Lacan's Theory of Gender

Lacan's theory of gender is based on his theory of subjectivity. He argues that gender is not a natural or essential quality, but rather a social and cultural construction.

For Lacan, gender is a product of the mirror stage. When the infant sees its own reflection in the mirror, it identifies with the image of the other. This identification is mediated by the mother, who is the first object of the infant's desire.

The mother represents the law of the father, and her presence in the mirror stage helps the infant to identify with the masculine position. This identification is not complete, however, and the infant always retains a trace of femininity.

This trace of femininity is what Lacan calls the "feminine remainder." The feminine remainder is a reminder of the infant's original lack, and it is a source of anxiety and desire for the subject.

The feminine remainder is also a source of creativity and resistance. It is through the feminine remainder that the subject can challenge the dominant Free Download and create new ways of being.

Lacan's Legacy for Feminism

Lacan's work has had a profound impact on feminist theory and practice. His theory of subjectivity has helped us to understand the ways in which gender is constructed and experienced, and his theory of gender has provided us with new tools for resisting gender-based oppression.

Lacan's work has also inspired a number of feminist activists and artists, who have used his ideas to create new forms of cultural and political expression. For example, the Guerrilla Girls are a group of feminist artists who use humor and satire to challenge sexism in the art world. The Guerrilla Girls have been influenced by Lacan's work on the mirror stage, and their work often explores the ways in which women are objectified and marginalized in society.

Lacan's work is a valuable resource for feminists, and it offers us new insights into the ways in which gender operates. His work can help us to develop new strategies for resisting gender-based oppression and creating a more just and equitable world.

In this book, we have explored the legacy of Jacques Lacan for feminist theory and practice. We have argued that Lacan's work offers a powerful lens for understanding the ways in which gender is constructed and experienced, and that it can help us to develop new strategies for resisting gender-based oppression.

Lacan's work is a challenging and complex, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. We encourage you to read Lacan's work for yourself and to explore its implications for feminist theory and practice.

History After Lacan (Opening Out: Feminism for Today)

by Teresa Brennan

4.4 out of 5