Social constructionist identity politics and literary studies / Suman Gupta.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gupta, Suman, 1966-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cultural pluralism.

Multiculturalism.

Group identity.

Identity (Psychology).

Physical Description:

vi, 259 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Basingstoke ; New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2007.

Summary:

In this fascinating interdisciplinary study, Suman Gupta argues that while it is widely accepted that essentialist ideas of identity are politically dangerous, certain social constructionist accounts of identity have now come to enjoy extraordinary currency. The latter are often regarded as central to contemporary political occurrences and social/cultural arrangements, particularly in academic institutions. This book explores why these ideas can be problematic, paying attention to both theoretical debates and institutional practices. Gupta first of all examines the conceptual aspect of social constructionist identity politics with regard to the humanities in general, and then considers the role of such politics in literary studies. His book constitutes a timely intervention in the current debate about the future of the humanities.

Contents:

1 Introduction: Prelude to Definitive Elaborations 1

Part I Social Constructionist Identity Politics 5

2 Identity-Based Political Positions 7

3 Embodying Identity-Based Political Positions 22

4 Analogues and Equivalences 48

5 Identity Politics at Work 81

Part II Literary Studies 97

6 Theory, Institutional Matters, Identity Politics 99

7 Self-Announcements and Institutional Realignments 137

8 Theory Textbooks and Canons 179

9 Conclusion: Questions and Prospects 216.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-254) and index.

ISBN:

9780230500471

0230500471

OCLC:

72871400

Online:

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