De-interpellation

De-interpellation, in critical theory and social analysis, refers to the process of resisting or rejecting the roles, identities, and subject positions that are imposed upon an individual or group by dominant social ideologies, institutions, or power structures. It's the act of disentangling oneself from the interpellation, or the 'hailing,' process, where individuals are called upon to recognize themselves as subjects within a pre-existing social order. This involves critically examining and dismantling the internalized norms, values, and beliefs that perpetuate these imposed identities, allowing for the construction of alternative, self-defined subjectivities and possibilities for agency and resistance. de-interpellation is often seen as a necessary step toward liberation and social change.

De-interpellation meaning with examples

• Through feminist consciousness-raising groups, women engaged in de-interpellation by questioning the prescribed roles of wife and mother and rejecting societal expectations of female behavior. This process allowed them to forge new identities and seek opportunities outside traditional patriarchal structures, embracing diverse lifestyles.
• During the civil rights movement, African Americans practiced de-interpellation. They challenged racial stereotypes imposed by white supremacist ideologies. By rejecting the assigned roles of inferiority and asserting their humanity, they created a powerful force for social and political transformation.
• In queer theory, de-interpellation is essential. LGBTQ+ individuals reject heterosexual norms that marginalize them. Rejecting the label imposed on them by heteronormative society to craft an empowered community that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
• Post-colonial studies often analyze the de-interpellation processes undertaken by colonized peoples. They resisted the colonial identity imposed on them. Through reclaiming their cultures, languages, and histories, they constructed new narratives of self-determination and national identity.