Interpellation

Interpellation, a term central to Althusserian Marxism and critical theory, refers to the process by which individuals are drawn into ideology, typically through institutions and societal norms. It's the mechanism by which individuals recognize themselves as subjects within a dominant ideological framework. Essentially, interpellation is the hailing or calling-out process that constructs individuals as subjects by shaping their identities, beliefs, and behaviors. This recognition of the self occurs when one responds to an ideological call (e.g., a police officer's "Hey, you!") and internalizes the accompanying social roles, expectations, and values. It highlights the subtle power dynamics in society that mold our perceptions and self-understanding, making us complicit in the system even without conscious awareness.

Interpellation meaning with examples

• The commercial, aimed at young parents, skillfully interpellated viewers by showing happy families using the advertised product. Viewers, identifying with the ideal family structure and wanting to emulate their happiness, were subtly drawn into consumer culture's ideological framework.
• During the protest, the leader's rallying cry interpellated the crowd, turning individual grievances into a collective identity. Responding to the call for solidarity, participants found common ground and were mobilized by the shared political objective, solidifying their allegiance.
• The school's emphasis on patriotism subtly interpellated students into accepting a particular national narrative. Through the curriculum and daily rituals, children were taught to see themselves as citizens within a specific system, accepting its values as their own.
• The judge's questioning interpellated the witness, shaping her testimony and the narrative of events. Through carefully crafted questions, the judge constructed a specific version of reality, subtly influencing the witness's self-perception of their involvement in the case.
• Political advertising often interpellates voters by framing issues in a way that appeals to their existing beliefs and fears. Responding to the appeals, voters adopt the ideology presented, thus validating the system and maintaining its authority through their votes.