Reflexivity and Structural Positions: The Effects of Generation, Gender and Education

Abstract

This article examines how reflexivity, as understood by Margaret Archer, is affected by the structural settings in the context of morphogenetic social and cultural transformations. It draws on the Slovenian national case as an example of swift structural and cultural shifts towards late modernity. For that purpose, we apply a new measurement tool developed through our previous research, which upgrades Archer’s existing ICONI model by distinguishing between the intensity and the concurrent practicing of the reflexivity modes within the inner dialogue. Based on a general national sample, we confirm not only the reflexivity changes from the older to the younger generations but also the role of education and gender in reflexivity levels and modes. We refer to the problem of deprivation and the importance of linking fractured reflexivity to the challenges, women are facing nowadays. Thus, the article confirms some of the critics of Archer’s work, demonstrating—despite significant individual differences—the clear impact of the individual’s background and her/his position in the social structure.

Sustainable development through morphogenetic analysis: The case of Slovenia

“…It depends significantly on the broader Slovenian population, whether it is (of course, while still being influenced by exogeneous factors) reflects the new paradigmatic shifts and support new visions of sustainable development, balancing the economic, social and environmental aspects, which depends strongly on the mode of reflexivity, especially the predominance of meta reflexivity (Al -Amoudi 2017). While the latter seems to be quite present at the micro -level in people's everyday concerns, as indicated by previous research (Golob -Makarovič 2019), there seems to be the problem of transforming these everyday life concerns to broader political concerns. Understanding this gap would require further research.…”

“…Not everyone is capable of elaborating the social context, which is preconditioned with the structural and institutional aspects, such as 'human subjects require institutional help' to realise their concerns' (Maccarini 2017). For instance, it has already been shown in the case of Slovenia that structure has a significant impact on the intensity and substance of reflexive outcomes (Golob -Makarovič 2019). In general, one can find substantial doubts that morphogenetic processes empower people.…”

The Presence of Meaning in Parenthood, Perceived Social Support, and Happiness of Mothers Living in Hong Kong: A Comparative Study on Younger and Older Mothers

“…These quantitative findings echo the findings of a qualitative longitudinal study undertaken by Wenham [ 48 ] that an enhancement of self with new identities and responsibilities can be found among young mothers, which provide them with a new-found purpose. According to the current study findings, however, the considerable change in effect size (i.e., R 2 ) in Step 2 of the regression analyses seems to suggest that older mothers may be better able to make meanings and thereby generate positive feelings in motherhood; this may be associated with the reflexivity that is required for the richer life and maternal experiences of older mothers [ 49 ].…”

Open Textbook Author Journeys: Internal Conversations and Cycles of Time

“…This survey also included the Internal Conversation Indicator (ICONI), a tool developed by Archer (2007Archer ( , 2016 designed to identify a person's dominant mode of reflexivity (see Appendix). Archer's ICONI methodology has been critiqued for not taking social context into account (Caetano, 2014), and additional questions have been added to the questionnaire (Golob & Makarovic, 2019). These recent works recognise the value of Archer's contribution, and in this study, ICONI is used together with other forms of data in order to build holistic cases, thereby including participants' motivation and other contextual aspects.…”