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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Afrikaner-identiteit: 'n psigoanalitiese interpretasie
Author:Engelbrecht, Schalk
Year:2007
Periodical:Tydskrif vir geesteswetenskappe
Volume:47
Issue:1
Pages:28-42
Language:Afrikaans
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:Afrikaners
group identity
Abstract:This paper investigates the ideological construction of group identities, as well as the psychological, social and political interests these identities might serve. More specifically, the focus is on the notion of 'the Afrikaner', its supposed threatened status and the attempts in South Africa today to preserve it. Using Slavoj Zizek's analysis of subjectivity and the master-signifier (as opposed to Freud's father or leader figure), the paper argues that 'the Afrikaner' can be understood as a master-signifier in the South African political context, but one which is losing its hegemonic power today. Although it still contends for dominance, many so-called 'Afrikaners' feel uncomfortable with this signifier, and most experience it as being in a transitional phase. Understood in this way, the attempts at the resuscitation of Afrikaner identity might represent a residue of essentialist thought regarding the notion of Afrikanerness. Alternatively, they are attempts to establish a questionable political platform from which to strategize in the South African context. The paper does not propose to do away with the notion of 'the Afrikaner' altogether, but argues that the philosopher should emphasize the artificial and contingent nature of symbolic identities and assess the interests they aim to serve. Bibliogr., notes, sum. in English and Afrikaans, text in Afrikaans. [Journal abstract, edited]
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