Chapter 8: Do you know Who i am, Through my Eyes?: Subjectivity in the Construction of the Self—A Lifelong Process

This chapter starts with a definition of the constructs self and subjectivity. This seems important because both concepts can be understood in many different ways, depending on the field of interest and favored paradigms. On the basis of this theoretical positioning, we will show that the development of the self is subjective in itself. We will give examples—not an exhaustive overview—for subjectifying processes that can be observed throughout the life course to prove this point. Even if some of these exemplary processes can be considered universal with regards to their content (what individuals are faced with/have to achieve at certain points in their lives = e.g., developmental tasks), they are never alike with regards to their dynamics (how and if the individuals achieve what is requested = meaning-making of the individuals), and become even more diverse with time (pluralisation of possible influences). The discussion will focus on the methodological implications of these findings.

Objectivity has always been discussed as an important variable in psychology. In fact, many have insisted that it must not be seen as a variable, but as an essential standard for scientists and scientific work. This would mean that the results of tests or experiments must not depend on certain experimenters, but should be replicable and traceable. Scientific findings must thus be based on evidence. The Gestalt theorists also claimed objectivity as an important goal, but did not talk about “impersonal procedures or […] the use of any particular apparatus” (Ash, 1998, p. 222), and located objectivity in the phenomenon itself. The ultimate goal was to find invariant principles of order and meaning. Once this kind of objectivity is reached, findings should become incontestable. Then we could claim to describe something as “it is” and, with this, precise predictions would become possible. Unfortunately—or, conversely, quite fortunately—human behavior and humans themselves are very complex. It is not easy to find invariant principles of order and meaning. One example is the human genome, which we know very little about. Only for specific genes might we be able to say, “This is as ‘it is’” (although it might still be taught otherwise in later years). But we are far from understanding all human genes. Another very human characteristic is every individual’s subjectivity. What this is and whether subjectivity can be assessed without violating the demand for objectivity will be discussed in the following paragraphs.