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Made-Up People: Conceptualizing Histories of the Self and the Human Sciences

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The Palgrave Handbook of the History of Human Sciences

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the different concepts and theories historians have used to discuss the reflexive relationship between the human sciences and the self, that is to say, how the human sciences have altered human selves and vice versa. It highlights both applications and critiques of these theories. The chapter begins with the Erving Goffman’s and Mary McIntosh’s sociological theories on the presentation of self, labelling theory and role theory, and discusses their influence on the historiography of homosexuality. The chapter proceeds with a discussion of Michel Foucault’s work and historians’ uses of the concept of “technologies of the self.” Next, the chapter examines Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity and the relational nature of the self. Ian Hacking’s influential concepts of “making up people” and “looping effects” are then discussed. Since the new millennium, historians have adopted new approaches inspired by practice theory and by the neurosciences. These theories, their applications for the history of emotions and deep history, and their critiques are analyzed. Finally, the chapter highlights some recurring critiques and remaining questions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cultural History Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Elwin Hofman

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  1. Elwin Hofman
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Correspondence to Elwin Hofman .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    David McCallum

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  1. KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Elwin Hofman

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Hofman, E. (2022). Made-Up People: Conceptualizing Histories of the Self and the Human Sciences. In: McCallum, D. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of the History of Human Sciences. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7255-2_71

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