Analyzing Margaret Archer’s four modes of reflexivity—communicative, autonomous, meta-reflexive, and fractured—in terms of Lacanian theory provides insights into the interplay between subjectivity, language, and self-awareness.
- Communicative reflexivity: In Archer’s framework, communicative reflexivity involves dialogue and interaction with others as a means of self-understanding. From a Lacanian perspective, language and interpersonal communication play a crucial role in subject formation. Through communicative reflexivity, individuals engage in a symbolic exchange with others, seeking recognition and validation of their experiences. Lacan’s concept of the Other and the symbolic order aligns with the importance of social interaction in the communicative mode.
- Autonomous reflexivity: Autonomous reflexivity focuses on self-exploration and self-awareness independent of social influence. Lacan’s theory emphasizes the role of the unconscious and the symbolic order in subjectivity. In the autonomous mode, individuals delve into their own internal world, grappling with the unconscious desires, beliefs, and meanings that shape their subjectivity. Lacan’s concept of the unconscious highlights the intricate workings of the psyche beyond conscious control, aligning with the autonomous mode’s emphasis on individual introspection.
- Meta-reflexive reflexivity: Meta-reflexive reflexivity involves critically reflecting on one’s own beliefs and values, considering their origins and implications. Lacanian theory provides a framework for understanding how subjectivity is constructed through language and the symbolic order. In the meta-reflexive mode, individuals engage in self-reflection and analysis, questioning the influence of external forces on their identity and subjectivity. Lacan’s notion of the symbolic order and the way language structures meaning can shed light on the meta-reflexive process of examining the socio-cultural context that shapes individual beliefs.
- Fractured reflexivity: Fractured reflexivity refers to instances where individuals experience conflicts and contradictions within their own beliefs and values. Lacanian theory recognizes the inherent split or lack in the subject, as the symbolic order creates a sense of lack or incompleteness. The fractured mode aligns with Lacan’s notion of the subject’s divided nature, where conflicting desires and beliefs generate internal tensions. The subject may grapple with opposing aspects of their identity, reflecting the fragmented and complex nature of subjectivity.
By examining Archer’s modes of reflexivity through a Lacanian lens, we can appreciate the intricate relationship between language, subjectivity, and self-awareness. Lacanian theory highlights the role of the Other, the symbolic order, and the unconscious in the formation of subjectivity, providing a nuanced understanding of the ways individuals engage with reflexivity in various contexts.
