Abjection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
abjection
[รฆbหdสษkสษn ]
Definition
philosophical concept
Abjection is a state of being cast off or rejected. It refers to the feeling or condition of being in a situation that is unpleasant, degrading, or humiliating. In philosophical contexts, particularly in the works of Julia Kristeva, abjection describes the process by which an individual distinguishes themselves from what they consider the 'other', often related to the rejection of bodily fluids or external impurities. This rejection is not just physical but also psychological, capturing the strangeness and fear of loss of identity.
Synonyms
degradation, humiliation, repulsion.
Examples of usage
- The abjection of the discarded materials reflected societal neglect.
- In her art, she explores themes of abjection and the discomfort of the human body.
- The character's abjection illustrates her struggle with her identity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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, itโs 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.
Origin of 'abjection'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'abjection' originates from the Latin term 'abjectio', which means 'a casting off' or 'throwing away'. It stems from the verb 'abicere', which combines 'ab-' (meaning 'away from') and 'jacere' (meaning 'to throw'). The term has been used in English literature since the early 17th century, often describing the act of rejecting or discarding both physical and metaphorical elements of identity. Its philosophical implications were further expanded by thinkers like Julia Kristeva in the 20th century, who articulated the role of abjection in defining the self in opposition to what is deemed unacceptable or disturbing. Over time, 'abjection' has come to represent not only social and moral rejection but also an exploration of the human psyche's darker aspects.