Introducing a contorted subject called ‘subjectivation’

Abstract

‘Subjectivation’ is one of the most relevant key words in political theory. It reflects the becoming, agency, and significance of political subjects, especially with respect to the ‘idea’ of autonomous subjectivity and the ‘reality’ of heteronomous subjection. Even though this key word figures prominently in a variety of current discourses, there is no systematic overview to date of its complicated history or present connotations. Oberprantacher and Siclodi respond to this scholarly demand by providing a comprehensive synopsis of the term’s genealogy in consideration of its contemporary ambivalences and the question of translation. Apart from that, this chapter introduces also the book ‘Subjectivation in Political Theory and Contemporary Practices’ in general terms by outlining its structure as well as the four major parts.