The article is devoted to a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of attitude towards the Other as an object. The purpose of the article is to compare the terminology used in the scientific literature; identifying the advantages and limitations of the term objectification; identification and grouping of disparate criteria for the classification of objectification, approaches to its understanding.
The authors compare narrow and broad approaches to understanding objectification in modern science; a rationale is given for the universality of a broad approach to understanding the phenomenon of objectification as a process of objectification of the Other, which is accompanied by one or more signs: an instrumental attitude towards the other, attitude as property, denial of his autonomy, reduction of subjectivity, lack of consideration of the boundaries of the other.
The article identifies criteria for classifying the phenomenon of objectification: by sphere of occurrence; on a philosophical approach to understanding the phenomenon of objectification; according to the criterion of intentionality; according to the criterion of reductionism; by object of comparison.
Based on the results of an analysis of modern domestic and foreign research, possible approaches to understanding the phenomenon of objectification are grouped: objectification as a consequence of biological determinism; cultural phenomenon; manifestation of power; response to uncertainty about one’s own competence; response to threat; manifestation of fear of death; a way of abstracting from the unimportant; a consequence of the organization of work activity; coping strategy to help cope with empathic distress; a consequence of the unsatisfactory nature of interpersonal relationships; a consequence of unsatisfaction of basic human needs; a consequence of personal characteristics (egocentrism, ego immaturity).
Scientific novelty: lies in the comparison of existing terminology that describes the phenomenon of relating to the Other as an object; in justifying the advantages and limitations of the term objectification; highlighting the criteria for classifying the phenomenon, as well as grouping disparate approaches to understanding the origins of objectification.
Scope of application of the results: the theoretical review carried out in the work can be used when teaching courses on the social psychology of interpersonal relationships.
The article is part of the dissertation research of one of the authors of the article.