Non-essentialist-Essentialist

In cultural studies, the essentialist approach is one that views certain cultural traits or
characteristics as inherent or fixed, and sees culture as a defining aspect of a person's
identity. This approach tends to view culture as a stable and coherent entity, and suggests
that people who share a particular culture are fundamentally similar in certain ways.
The non-essentialist approach, on the other hand, views culture as a fluid and dynamic
aspect of a person's identity, and sees cultural traits or characteristics as being shaped by
social and historical forces. This approach tends to view culture as being shaped by power
relations and social structures, and suggests that people's cultural identities are multiple and
complex, and can change over time.
One key difference between the essentialist and non-essentialist approaches is that the
essentialist approach tends to view culture as being relatively fixed and stable, while the
non-essentialist approach sees culture as being more fluid and dynamic. The essentialist
approach also tends to emphasize the importance of cultural traditions and practices, while
the non-essentialist approach tends to focus more on the ways in which culture is shaped by
social and historical forces. Both approaches have their own strengths and limitations, and
cultural studies scholars may use a combination of both approaches in their work.
Heteroglossia
In literary theory, the concept of heteroglossia refers to the presence of multiple voices or
languages within a text or discourse. The term was coined by the Russian literary theorist
Mikhail Bakhtin, who argued that language is not a monolithic entity, but rather a complex
and dynamic system that is shaped by social and historical forces. According to Bakhtin, the
concept of heteroglossia is closely related to the idea of dialogue, and suggests that
language is constantly shaped and reshaped through the interactions and exchanges
between different people and groups.
Heteroglossia can manifest in various ways within a text or discourse. For example, it can
refer to the use of different languages or dialects within a single text, or to the presence of
conflicting or competing voices or perspectives. It can also refer to the way that language is
used to challenge or subvert dominant discourses or ideologies. In this way, the concept of
heteroglossia highlights the complexity and diversity of language, and suggests that meaning
is not fixed or stable, but rather is constantly being negotiated and reinterpreted.
what is polyphony?
Polyphony is a term used in literary theory to refer to the presence of multiple voices or
perspectives within a text or discourse. The term is often used in connection with the
concept of heteroglossia, which refers to the presence of multiple languages or dialects
within a text. Polyphony can manifest in various ways within a text, such as through the use
of multiple narrators or through the presence of conflicting or competing viewpoints.
Polyphony is closely related to the idea of dialogue, and suggests that a text or discourse is
not a monolithic entity, but rather is shaped by the interactions and exchanges between
different voices or perspectives. In this way, polyphony highlights the complexity and
diversity of language, and suggests that meaning is not fixed or stable, but rather is
constantly being negotiated and reinterpreted. Polyphony can be used to create a rich and
nuanced reading experience, and can be an effective way to represent the complexity of
human experience and the diversity of human perspectives.
1. Hegemony: This term, first coined by the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, refers to
the dominance of one group over others in a society. Gramsci argued that this
dominance is not only achieved through economic and political means, but also
through cultural and ideological means, such as the creation and dissemination of a
shared set of beliefs and values.
2. Dialogism: This term refers to the idea that meaning is created through a dialogue or
interaction between different voices and perspectives. This concept is associated
with the Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, who argued that language is always
in a state of flux and that meaning is never fixed or stable.
3. Agency: This term refers to the ability of individuals or groups to act independently
and make their own choices. In other words, agency is the capacity for individuals to
make decisions, and to have control over their own lives.
4. Habitus: This term was developed by the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. It refers
to the ways in which an individual's social background and experiences shape their
habits, dispositions, and tastes. Habitus refers to the way people apply and enact
learned patterns of thought, feeling and action in the practical conduct of their lives.
5. False needs: This term refers to the idea that certain societal forces, such as
consumer culture and advertising, can create a sense of need or desire for products
or experiences that are not truly necessary for one's well-being or happiness.
6. Heteroglossia: This term, also associated with Bakhtin, refers to the idea that
language is made up of multiple, diverse voices and languages, and that meaning is
created through the interaction and clash of these different voices.
7. Bricolage: This term comes from the French word meaning "DIY" or "handyman." In
the context of cultural theory and sociology, the term refers to the process of
creating something new by using the resources that are readily available. Bricolage
often implies a resourceful and creative approach to problem-solving, rather than a
formal and specialized one.