The Role of Humanism in Identity Theories & Subjective Dependence

Humanism, a philosophical framework that emphasises individual dignity, agency, and self-actualisation, offers significant insights into identity formation and subjective dependence. However, in the context of flawed identity theories, its limitations and oversights can inadvertently contribute to reinforcing subjective dependence in several ways.

1. Humanism’s Core Principles and Identity

At its heart, humanism celebrates:

• Autonomy: The capacity for self-determination and free will.

• Rationality: Belief in the human capacity for reason and critical thinking.

• Self-Actualisation: Drawing from Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (1943), humanism asserts that individuals aim to reach their fullest potential once basic needs are met.

These ideals position identity as an inherently individualistic process, where personal agency and self-awareness are the primary drivers of growth.

2. Challenges in Addressing Subjective Dependence

While humanism emphasises autonomy and agency, its individualistic approach can overlook key factors that influence subjective dependence:

a. Oversimplification of Social Context

Humanism tends to prioritise internal processes (e.g., self-reflection, self-actualisation) over the external influences of societal norms, culture, and systemic oppression. This creates a blind spot for understanding how:

• Social structures (e.g., racism, patriarchy) enforce dependencies.

• Economic and political systems restrict autonomy, particularly in marginalized communities.

For instance, in contexts where societal structures limit access to education or economic mobility, the humanist emphasis on “self-driven growth” can seem detached from lived realities.

b. Neglect of Intersectionality

Humanism’s universalist stance assumes that all individuals have equal capacity to pursue self-actualisation, regardless of social or cultural context. This ignores:

• Intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989): The overlapping systems of oppression (e.g., race, gender, class) that constrain identity formation and exacerbate dependence.

• The fact that marginalised groups may have limited access to resources necessary for humanist ideals, such as education, healthcare, or safe environments for self-expression.

This neglect risks perpetuating the myth that failure to achieve independence or self-actualisation is a personal shortcoming, rather than a systemic issue.

c. Vulnerability to Manipulation

Humanism’s emphasis on self-improvement and self-reliance can unintentionally foster subjective dependence in certain contexts:

• Online Identity: Individuals may feel compelled to curate their digital personas in pursuit of idealised self-expression, becoming dependent on external validation through likes, comments, or followers.

• Cultural Dependence: Humanism’s focus on self-actualisation can be co-opted by consumer culture, which promotes products or lifestyles as essential for achieving one’s “best self.” This creates dependencies on external sources (brands, social media) for identity validation.

3. Reconciling Humanism with Subjective Dependence

To address its shortcomings, humanism must evolve to incorporate a broader understanding of subjective dependence and systemic influences on identity:

a. Contextual Humanism

Incorporating socio-political and cultural contexts can help redefine autonomy as relational rather than purely individual. This aligns with:

• Relational-Cultural Theory (Jordan, 2017): Emphasising growth through meaningful relationships rather than isolated self-determination.

• Recognition that dependence, when balanced and reciprocal, can foster healthy identities rather than diminish them.

b. Intersectional Humanism

Updating humanism to include intersectionality would:

• Acknowledge that self-actualisation pathways differ across social groups.

• Address systemic barriers (e.g., poverty, discrimination) as part of identity development rather than external obstacles to be overcome.

c. Critical Awareness

Humanism must integrate critical thinking about manipulation in modern contexts, particularly online. This includes:

• Promoting media literacy to reduce dependence on algorithmic validation.

• Challenging exploitative consumerism that undermines authentic identity formation.

Conclusion

Humanism’s focus on autonomy and self-actualisation provides valuable insights into identity development but often fails to address the systemic and relational factors that shape subjective dependence. By oversimplifying social context and neglecting intersectionality, it risks reinforcing inequities or leaving individuals vulnerable to external manipulation. To remain relevant, humanism must evolve to embrace a relational, intersectional, and critically aware approach, ensuring it fosters genuine autonomy without overlooking the complexities of dependence in the modern world.