Pluralising Subjectivity. Multiplying Realities of Identity, Gender and Selves

'Pluralising Subjectivity' engages with the depathological self-organisation of 'Plural Systems' – describing the self-designated experience of more than one identity. What used to be a 'multiple identity disorder' has been reinterpreted in the last five years. These self-concepts encompass a complex interrelation of identities, imploring a notion of an outer world, one of them is acting in, and an inner implicit multiplicity.

When switching the 'fronting' position, they highlight their capability to act, taking back control of their narrative and claiming the position of a subject. At the same time these experiences are displayed as shattered, discontinued and highly ambiguous. I'm addressing these states of selves in the perspective of empirical subjectivation research (Spies, Bosancic, Traue, Pfahl, Schürmann) – while at the same time challenging the founding concepts of subjectivity in three perspectives:

1. The form and structure of identity. The talk traces, how identities are differentiated by disclaiming a certain role inside the system. The concepts of 'trauma relation' and 'function' highlight the organisational effort ensuring a – more or less – distinguishable identity, while posing and questioning the impression of continuity.
2. Dimensions of socio-structural inequality. Systems negotiate identities by marking gender and age. When 'race' and 'class' are not made significant, I discuss whether Plurality is experienced as a white concept and simultaneously latinx concepts (Anzaldua, Braidotti) can help, to grasp pluralised subjectivity.
3. Social Theory of Singularity. The societisation by identity has so far been extensively critiqued – Butler, Foucault, Hall and Haraway have i.a. pointed towards the need to be an authentic, binary, self-reflexive, capable subject. Thinking through Plurality, I will outline a Social Theory of Singularity, exploring anew the demand of a continuous self.

The regarding research project draws on 10 therapy concepts and online self-help contexts in connection with 12 interviewee self-positionings of plural systems.