Article Review Abstract

Hall, S. (2000).Who needs ‘Identity’? in P. Du Gay, J. Evans & P. Redman (Eds) Identity: a reader, (pp.15-30). London: Sage

This paper provides an overview of how psychoanalytically influenced feminism and cultural criticism re-conceptualize the idea of identity. It summarizes the deconstructive perspectives and theorizing processes that are critical of an integral identity and that suggests identity can not be thought in the old way. Hall (2000) drew from several heads of criticism: Althusser, Butler, Derrida, Foucault, Lacan, etc., hoping to discuss identities in consistent discourses, articulations, and interpellations. He chose the obscure approach, which in the approach itself hinted that there is no complete delineation to identities. Identity should be thought in a more thorough way— in relationships to others and in a continuing process—to find a meeting ground where meanings make sense.