INTERPELLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Interpellation, a term originating from political theory and philosophy, refers to the process of addressing or questioning someone in a way that seeks to expose and critique the underlying power structures and ideologies at play within a given social context. It is a method through which individuals or groups challenge the dominant discourses and practices that perpetuate inequality and injustice.
In political contexts, interpellation involves the act of subjecting political authorities or figures to scrutiny and demanding accountability. It serves as a mechanism for citizens to voice their concerns and challenge those in power, holding them responsible for their actions and decisions. By interpellating political actors, individuals or groups aim to disrupt the status quo and introduce alternative perspectives, thereby redefining the terms of the political discourse.
In philosophical theories, particularly influenced by the works of Louis Althusser, interpellation is understood as a process through which individuals are shaped and assigned specific social roles and identities by existing power structures. These structures, such as the educational system, media, or cultural norms, constantly reinforce certain ideologies and values that inform individuals' beliefs and behaviors. Interpellation seeks to unveil the mechanisms of such ideological conditioning and encourages individuals to critically reflect on their subjectivity and agency within these structures.
Ultimately, interpellation serves as a means to expose, challenge, and transform oppressive power structures, enabling individuals and communities to engage in critical thinking, political action, and empowerment.
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An interruption of one speaking; a summons or citation; an earnest address.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INTERPELLATION
Etymology of INTERPELLATION
The word "interpellation" originated from the Latin term "interpellatio", which can be broken down into two parts: "inter", meaning "between" or "among", and "pellare", meaning "to push". In its original sense, interpellation referred to an act of interrupting or questioning someone, often in a forceful or challenging manner.
The concept of interpellation was further developed and popularized by the French philosopher Louis Althusser in the mid-20th century. Althusser used the term to explain how individuals are shaped and influenced by the ideologies and structures of society. According to Althusser, interpellation occurs when individuals are "interpellated" or hailed by the societal norms, values, and institutions they are exposed to. This process shapes their identities and subjectivities, making them conform to certain ideologies and power relations.
Similar spelling words for INTERPELLATION
- internationalist,
- interactional,
- interrogative,
- interrelate,
- interpenetrate,
- intercellular,
- interstellar,
- interpolation,
- interpretative,
- interpellate,
- internationality,
- intersection,
- interspersion,
- internalisation,
- intercalation,
- interrelation,
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- interpolate,
- interoception,
- interpretation,
- interdiction,
- internationally,
- interception,
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- interrelationship,
- innate reflex,
- interpenetration,
- interaction,
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- internationale,
- interlanguage,
- interjection,
- interruption,
- interpreting,
- intervention,
- interrelated,
- intergalactic,
- internationalize,
- internationalise,
- international,
- interrogation,
- enturbulation,
- interlacing,
- internationalism,
- international law,
- interpretive,
- interposition,
- internalization.
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