Recognition Theory in the Recovery from Sexual Abuse
In this post you’ll be discovering the basic principles of Recognition Theory. Why? I am glad you asked. Recognition Theory developed by Axel Honneth, Germany, describes the social processes through which a sense of identity is derived. Recognition Theory also underpins many of the posts published on this blog.
First I will define two important terms: “Recognition” is used here in the sense of giving value to something as in “…he is recognised with the Nobel prize”. ”Disrespect”, the antonym of recognition, is used here in the sense of contempt or complete disregard of human rights.
The pillars of Recognition Theory posit that we learn about who we are through the interactions with others. When others give us recognition we grow and get stronger, when we receive disrespect, we struggle and our sense of self weakens. Recognition is given in three distinct forms:
Recognition through LOVE is given in the form of emotional support and care. By being supported and cared for we are able to build self-confidence. This is the first form of recognition and the most important form on which all others are built on. Recognition through love is experienced in close relationships or in relationships where our well-being and/or existence depend on the other person.
Recognition through the granting of RIGHTS is given in the form of cognitive respect. By being respected as a full fledged member of society who takes responsibilities for their actions and can participate in social will-formation and is therefore given the same rights others have we are able to build self-respect. We can respect ourselves because we are respected. Recognition through the granting of rights is experiences through legal systems, social institutions, and through persons who stand in some form of authority.
Recognition through SOLIDARITY is given in the form of appreciation and valuing. By being appreciated and valued for who we are and what we can contribute to society or our community, in other words by being esteemed, we are able to develop self-esteem. This form of recognition is particularly important for a person’s sense of belonging and his/her sense of being integrated into society.
Recognition is not a courtesy or a luxury it is a vital human need. Without recognition people are unable to develop a healthy, positive sense of identity. Indeed without recognition people become physically or mentally unwell. This is easily demonstrated when we discuss the opposite of Recognition, which is disrespect.
In contrast to acts of recognition stand acts of disrespect. The impact of disrespect depends on the area in which a person is disrespected Disrespect in the area of LOVE, thus in close and dependent relationships, comes through acts of commission in the serious form of abuse, rape, torture. Equally harmful are acts of omission (neglect), thus the withholding of emotional support and care when such care can be expected. These acts undermine a person’s self-confidence and even bring a person’s sense of identity to a collapse.
Disrespect in the area of RIGHTS is shown by legal systems, legal institutions, or persons in authority when a person is not given the same rights other people have. Forms of disrespect are discrimination, inequality, the withholding of rights (i.e. for patients the right to be fully informed), invisibility, and marginalisation. These acts undermine a person’s self-respect.
Disrespect in the area of SOLIDARITY is show by ‘groups of shared value orientation’ such as peers, neighbours, community, and colleagues in the form of exclusion, discrimination, and isolation. These acts undermine a person’s self-esteem. For example bullying is so destructive because it combines disrespect in the area of LOVE and SOLIDARITY.
Recognition Theory is significant in understanding the impact of sexual abuse and the problems survivors struggle with as they fight for justice and recovery. Recognition Theory is also useful in understanding the problems recovery processes encounter and it shows easy understandable pathways for recovery to occur.
