I’ve been reading a lot about the notion of reflexivity at the moment, especially as it is used in relation to young people and the making of films. It’s not a topic that I’ve had much to do with before, but I’m thinking that there is a lot here that may be of use.
Basically, if I understand it correctly, reflexivity is related to the awareness that one has of one’s self, as well as one’s historical and social context. In my mind, I think it’s a little bit like having a kind of broad-ranging awareness of one’s current place.
Reflexivity has grown out of this notion that the world is becoming increasing ‘hypercomplex’. Unlike the traditional or modern worlds, where there are certainties that everyone can appreciate – like religion in the traditional world, or a universal assumption of common values in the modern, the hypercomplex world is characterized by the lack of any such certainties. Instead, it is characterized by the risk and choice – and these concepts of risk and choice mean that young people are constantly forced to ‘redefine’ and ‘re-create’ themselves. These risks can be anything- economic, security, loneliness, physical appearance, climate change and so on.
Another interesting point made by Steven Threadgold relates to notions of governmentality. Threadgold points out that, while some people might argue that notions of reflexivity are empowering, Threadgold identifies that these ideas of empowerment are actually heavily dependent upon the class of the individual in question. Thus, while there appears to be more possibility for social mobility between and through class divisions, it is important to consider that young people’s perceptions are limited by the opportunities that are available to them.