Self and pretence: Playing with identity

Journal of Social Philosophy 39 (4):564-582 (2008)
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Abstract

This paper considers the importance of play as a conventional space for hypothetical self-expression and self-trial, its importance for determination of identity, and for development of self-possibilities. Expanding such possibilities in play enables challenging of socially entrenched assumptions concerning possible and appropriate identities. Discussion is extended to the contexts of gender performance (drag) and sport-play. It is argued that play proceeds on the basis of a fundamental pretence of reality that must be taken seriously by its participants; this discussion includes considerations of serious and ironical play, “playing-at”, and travesty.

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Leslie A. Howe
University of Saskatchewan

Citations of this work

Ludonarrative dissonance and dominant narratives.Leslie A. Howe - 2017 - Journal of the Philosophy of Sport 44 (1):44-54.
Gender Roles Roll.Pam R. Sailors - 2013 - Sport, Ethics and Philosophy 7 (2):245-258.
Express yourself: the value of theatricality in soccer.Kenneth Aggerholm - 2013 - Journal of the Philosophy of Sport 40 (2):205 - 224.

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References found in this work

How to do things on stage.David Z. Saltz - 1991 - Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism 49 (1):31-45.

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