Desiring Agency

Carl Cederström, Hugh Willmott

Research output: Working paper/PreprintWorking paper

225 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the relation between agency and the (pathological) inclinations that lurk beneath the agent’s acts. We draw on the work of Jacques Lacan to argue that an adequate understanding of agency demands attentiveness to desires, the unconscious and the intimate relation between the subject and the Other. Based on some of the key features of the Lacanian subject we suggest agency to be (1) symbolic, (2) imaginary, or (3) ethical. This typology of agency, we argue, has far-reaching implications for social analysis in which we include the project of critical management studies.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherLund Institute of Economic Research
Volume3
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Publication series

NameWorking Paper Series
Volume3
ISSN (Print)1103-3010

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Economics and Business

Free keywords

  • Lacan
  • desire
  • agency
  • ethics
  • resistance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Desiring Agency'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this