Abjection: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'abjection' comes from the Latin 'abjectio', meaning 'to throw away'.
• It is related to the word 'abject', which describes something that is very bad or miserable.
• The prefix 'ab-' means 'away from', indicating a removal or rejection.

Psychology

• Abjection can refer to a state where individuals see themselves as rejected or marginalized, often leading to feelings of disgust.
• The concept is often linked to how people process feelings of shame and identity.
• It emphasizes the way society can make individuals feel inferior or unwanted.

Philosophy

• Philosopher Julia Kristeva introduced 'abjection' as a way to understand how identity is formed through what we exclude from ourselves.
• In her view, it’s associated with the rejection of things that threaten our sense of self or order.
• Abjection reflects our fears and how we deal with feelings that are unsettling or disturbing.

Literature

• Abjection has been explored in many literary works as a theme of human struggle and societal rejection.
• The term often appears in Gothic literature, where the grotesque evokes feelings of horror and repulsion.
• Writers use abjection to challenge social norms and highlight characters who feel marginalized or displaced.

Art

• Many contemporary artists incorporate themes of abjection to provoke strong emotional responses from viewers.
• Installations and performances often showcase human suffering and societal rejection, reflecting the concept visually.
• Abject art challenges the viewer to confront uncomfortable feelings about the human condition.