The hybrid self and the ambivalence of boundaries

Abstract

The paper outlines the main features of the contemporary discourse on hybrid subjectivity, a discourse which is internally differentiated along 'organic', 'intentional', and critical social theory lines. It then examines how these discourses can be applied to our understanding of hybrid cultures and identities. The article focuses on two central claims underlying the intentional approach: one, that cultural boundaries are theoretically and empirically problematic; and secondly, that a hybrid position provides the potential for an enlightened and critical world-view. In response, two contentions are articulated that will provide a more nuanced understanding of the hybrid self. Drawing on the work of Simmel and Park, the paper, in contrast to the intentional account, highlights the ambivalence of boundaries; secondly, a critical investigation of the enlightened hybrid consciousness is offered which suggests that this new form of consciousness underplays the role of prejudice and ambivalence. As a result of these discussions, the article demonstrates that the discourse on hybrid identity raises key theoretical issues either ignored or insufficiently addressed by existing scholarship.

Identities and Subjectivities

“…Asher 2008;Dallaire and Denis 2005;Marotta 2008). One important conclusion that can be drawn from this concerns mobilities in a more abstract sense.…”

Reinventing aspects of multicultural education under the shadow of globalisation

“…Although the importance of promoting cosmopolitan identities within teacher education cannot be undermined, it seems that the strictly civic use of the term and the favour of the broader (global) perspective that it promotes should be complimented by explicit focus on the educational and cultural dimensions of teacher educators' practice. For instance, if we return to Marina, we could see that she could be developing 'cosmopolitan qualities' while abroad, but as we saw earlier that could not be guaranteed (Marotta 2008). Furthermore, the context she occupied could further determine how she perceived herself and how she may have been perceived by others in relation to cosmopolitanism.…”

“…First and foremost, it is important for us to keep in mind that hybridity does not always entail the potential for growth. At the level of identities, Marotta (2008) has cautioned us against assuming only the positive dynamic of hybridity. In the case of Marina, although an enriched understanding of comparative educational practices could be achieved by studying abroad, such could not be guaranteed, especially when not facilitated.…”

Boundary Zone between Cultural Worlds or the Edge of the Dominant Culture? Two Conceptual Metaphors of Marginality

“…To better understand the properties of the two notions and to thematise, as Marotta (2008) suggests, the notion of boundary as constitutive of hybridity and marginality, I turn to examination of the metaphorical structure of the concept of marginality.…”

“…That would also blind us as researchers to the darker, potentially explosive and conflictual sides of cultural identities and differences (Bhabha 1994, Kim 2008, Marotta, 2008. Rather than trying to close back doors, we might engage in a search for different metaphors that would allow us to conceptualise cultural difference and thematise the flexible boundary.…”