Constructing and Deconstructing the Self: Comparing Post-Vygotskian and Discourse-Based Versions of Social Constructivism

Abstract

Constructing and deconstructing the self are the two alternative ways to conceive of a human agentic individual that coexist in the present-day socioconstructivist framework. We analyze two respective theoretical approaches employing the grounding assumptions of social constructivism: (a) the discourse-based perspective, which creates important epistemological prerequisites for studying the self hut at the same time dissolves the self in the linguistic or social reality of discourse; and (b) the post-Vygotskian perspective, which turns to the methods of guided formation and views these processes as a modus vivendi of a developing self. We argue that the second perspective can provide a nonreductionist account of the agentic self by taking an active stance in co-constructing, changing, and directing its development. We compare actual post-Vygotskian lines of research (with focus on either interpsychological or intrapsychological aspects of evolving selves) and discuss the ways to synthesize their accomplishments.