What is Deconstruction?

1. the act or practice of breaking something down into constituent parts: the deconstruction of complex problems into smaller issues can make them easier to tackle.

2. a philosophical and critical movement that questions all traditional assumptions about the ability of language to represent reality and emphasises that a text has no stable reference or meaning.

3. a critical movement that questions forms, hierarchies, and assumptions that are thought to be fixed because of the language traditionally used to describe those forms, hierarchies, and assumptions. (Dictionary, 2025)

Deconstruction can be a form of analysis that challenges fundamental meanings and ideas in western literature and philosophy. Derrida, a deconstructionist anthropologist (Hepburn, 1999) aimed to question binary theories and sets of oppositions to see what exists in the in-between. To explore tensions between two distinct ideas and consider alternatives.

We can use this theory of analysis in line with our goal of expansive thinking, in the form of questions;

• Why do I think x is better than y? Is there only x and y? (Consider gender(s))

• Why do I believe in x and not y? (Social construction of gender roles in the west)

• How does y make me feel? How does x make me feel? Why? (Media portrayal of men, women and trans people)

  We can consider deconstructionism as counsellors, particularly in reference to implicit biases, when we start to think critically about and break down the influences that have contributed to them (Hepburn, 1999) and how they may differ/line up with our clients biases, or even influence how we are able to engage with them.

• Deconstruction involves highlighting and dismantling taken-for-granted assumptions and traditional frameworks. In this context, it is key to approach our goal with the intention of attempting to cast aside, or at least cast into critical thought, the influences that effect and have effected us both socially and psychologically.

• When we consider the goal of finding expansive compassion, deconstruction allows us to breakdown the barriers between us and others, to see the beliefs we may hold that predispose us to certain assumptions or feelings towards others and to (gently) challenge them (as one may offer challenge to a client) with a view of overcoming them. This can happen through action (contact theory (Emerson et al., 2002)), reflection (journalling or meditation) and understanding (research).

‘I believe in absolute liberation and freedom for all, this gives me certain biases towards preferred treatment of others, political views and even art preferences. The external influences that have effected this are primarily social media, alternative political discourse and peers. If I consider these things to be untrue or flawed (whether they are or not), does my belief still hold up? (Here it is key to hold in mind the pluralistic tenet of holding multiple truths). Does my bias harm anyone? Does my bias have origins in harm? Does it limit me or my engagement with the world and others?

(I maintain this bias, because I have seen it does more good than harm, and also, because I like it.)’ Byrdie Sommerville