is there a theory that goes beyond the two opposing sides of accepting/rejecting identities? i suppose i think fluid and static identities are both ok as long as it is what works for the person. social construction is pretty much the entire formation for how i optimistically approach life, so i'm glad you pointed that connection out.
Men may judge women based on standards of 'physical beauty'
Can't it be explained by claiming that women _only_ have to be beautiful? Their role in those societies is l'art pour l'art. They are not managed to be tools but purposes.
I think that these two views on social constructivism, when they are BOTH utilized, can have interesting results, and I also think that in teh long run, they essentially point to the same thing. For example, symbolic interactionism is focused on bettering existing identities rather than eradicating them, but is not necessarily opposed to the creation of new identities. Poststructuralism on the other hand, would actively encourage what I perceive as the creation of new personal identities, ones that are not meant to extend to other people or serve as definitions of the self but insights into the self. (yes, I know, an actual poststructuralist would probably find the idea of "creating an identity" somewhat problematic). Anyway, my point is that if one were a symbolic interactivist that allows for the creation of new identities, then the "pre-existing ones" would begin to destabilize, much to the joy of the poststructuralist.
Commenting by HaloScan
