Explore –Journal of Research
Peer Reviewed Journal
ISSN 2278–0297 (Print)
ISSN 2278–6414 (Online)
Vol. XVII, 2024
© Patna Women’s College, Patna, India
The Quest for Personal Identity: A Philosophical Study in the Context of Western Feminist Philosophy
• Ameeta Jaiswal • Sonali Singh • Aastha Verma
• Nandini Singh
Received : December, 2023
Accepted : January, 2024
Corresponding Author : Ameeta Jaiswal
Abstract :Personal Identity is the unique sense of self that we develop over time and that defines who we are as a person. Our personal identity is a blend of our different identities national, ethnic, racial, gender and professional.This research paper highlights the need to recognise the personal identity of women as it is often overshadowed by their gender identity and traditional gender roles associated with it.This research paper is significant because it states that women will be truly empowered only when they are free to define themselves on their own terms and to embrace their individuality The objective of this research is to understand how women’s personal identity is undermined when society limits them to their gender identity It also aims at understanding women’s quest for personal identity in context of Western feminist philosophy particularly in the works of Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir. They discuss how women have historically been acting as ‘looking glasses’ for men, making
them feel superior while they were marginalized and treated as the inferior, the ‘second’ sex, the ‘other.’ Women have always faced the hostility of the society when they try to struggle against their confinements. The methodology adopted to find the relevance of the Quest for personal identity was through a questionnaire. In total 88 responses were recorded, and it was found that all the respondents agree with the thesis that the continuous struggle for a personal identity is the living reality of a majority of women. Hence to conclude, this research paper emphasizes the importance of autonomy, agency, financial freedom and personal space for women’s identity and how patriarchy, traditional gender roles and societal expectations negatively impact it. Women are suggested to embrace their unique identities, break free from traditional gender roles, challenge the status-quo and to continue their quest for individual identity
Keywords Personal Identity, Autonomy, Virginia Woolf, Simon de Beauvoir.
Ameeta Jaiswal
Head, Department of Philosophy
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous), Bailey Road, Patna-800 001, Bihar, India
E-mail:ameeta.phi@patnawomenscollege.in
Aastha Verma
B.A. 111 year, Philosophy (Hons.), Session: 2021-2024, Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Nandini Singh
B.A. 111 year, Philosophy (Hons.), Session:2021-2024, Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Sonali Singh
B.A. 111 year, Philosophy (Hons.), Session: 2021-2024, Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Introduction:
The concept of personal identity is central to the philosophy of human existence. The word ‘identity’ derived from the Latin ‘ldentias’ refers to the characteristics, qualities, traits, beliefs, etc that makes us who we are. At the onset it is important to make it clear that personal identity refers to one’s unique sense of self or one’s individuality. It is not to be understood as the metaphysical problem of personal identity that deals with issues of persistence of identity over time and whether our identity constitutes our physical or psychological elements
