The Role of the Big Other in Jacques Lacan's Theory: Shaping Desires and Social Structures

French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan developed a complex theoretical framework that illuminates the interplay between individual desire and social structures. At the heart of this theory is the concept of the "Big Other", which encapsulates the symbolic order and plays a pivotal role in shaping one's desires, identities, and interactions within cultural and societal contexts.

Introduction to the Big Other: A Symbolic Order

The Big Other is a central concept in Lacan's psychoanalytic theory, representing the symbolic order that underpins our social interactions, cultural norms, and personal identities. It is the profound and often unconscious structure of language and the cultural practices that guide us in making sense of the world. As Louis Althusser, a Marxist theorist, famously said, the Big Other 'speaks through me'—as if a voice from beyond ourselves dictates the norms and rules we live by. This authority is neither fully present nor fully absent, embodying the ideals and values of society while simultaneously being marked by a fundamental lack that can never be entirely fulfilled.

The Symbolic Order and the Big Other

The Symbolic Order, like the Big Other, is the structured system of language, laws, and cultural norms that we internalize throughout our lives. This order is what enables us to communicate, form identities, and navigate the world. Lacan argues that the Symbolic Order is an external and often majestic presence, much like a governing force or 'king,' which we constantly seek to align with and understand. However, it is a force that remains perpetually out of reach, always just beyond our grasp.

Authority and Lack: The Dual Nature of the Big Other

The Big Other holds a dual nature: it is a source of authority that provides norms and rules, but it is also characterized by an inherent lack. This lack manifests as an unfulfilled desire, a yearning that drives us to seek meaning and recognition in various ways. We often see this lack at work in society, where individuals may strive for prominence, recognition, or validation in order to feel complete. This dynamic can be seen in the realm of social media, where people seek likes, comments, and followers to feel validated.

Desire and Subjectivity:

Lacan's theory posits that our desires are often shaped by our relationship to the Big Other. We seek recognition and validation from external authorities because it is a primary means of defining and reinforcing our sense of self. In psychoanalytic practice, understanding the Big Other can help uncover the underlying motivations and conflicts within an individual's psyche. For instance, a client might project their own lack onto their boss or partner, only seeking to validate themselves through the authority of this external figure. Thus, the Big Other serves as a mirror in which we reflect our desires and identities.

The Concept of Gaze and the Big Other

The Big Other is often tied to the concept of "gaze", a term that describes the way in which we are constantly observed and perceived by others. The gaze can be either friendly or hostile, but it is always a presence that shapes our sense of self and our place within society. In Psychoanalysis, the Big Other's gaze can be a source of both empowerment and oppression. When we conform to societal norms, we gain validation, but we also risk losing our individuality. The gaze can be both a source of desire and a hidden threat, constantly reminding us of our place within the symbolic order.

The Wizard of Oz as a Metaphor for the Big Other

The Wizard of Oz, which is more than just a children's story, can indeed serve as a metaphor for the Big Other. The Wizard represents an imagined authority, a powerful figure beyond the reach of the Oz inhabitants. Just as the Big Other is an external and elusive force that we strive to understand and control, the Wizard is a figure of authority that confers power and control. The inhabitants of Oz seek the Wizard to grant them what they desire, whether it is a heart, a brain, courage, or a silver knight. This quest to achieve fulfillment through external validation aligns closely with Lacan's concept of the Big Other.

The Lacanian Concept of the Big Other and Language

The Big Other also refers to the 'otherness' of language. When a child is born, language is initially an alien element. It is only through the nurturing interactions with parents that the child begins to internalize language, eventually becoming a part of the symbolic order. This process is not one of mastery but of incorporation and normalization. No one person can fully control language, as it is a socio-historical phenomenon with roots deeply embedded in cultural and historical contexts. Lacan argued that in a very real sense, we are 'spoken' by language, not simply speakers of it. This perspective aligns with the idea that the Big Other is not just a societal construct but a force that shapes our identities and desires from within.

Conclusion: The Big Other and the Emergence of the Subject

The Big Other, as we have seen, is a crucial element in Lacanian theory, elucidating the interplay between individual desires and social structures. It is a concept that highlights how our identities are constructed within the web of societal expectations. Through understanding the Big Other, we can gain insight into how societal pressures shape personal experiences and mental health. Ultimately, the Big Other is a force that is both powerful and elusive, continuously shaping and redefining our sense of self and our place within the symbolic order.