FRAGMENTED IDENTITIES: PSYCHOANALYTIC PERSPECTIVES ON POSTCOLONIAL WOMEN NEGOTIATING GENDER, NATION, AND TRAUMA

Abstract

Postcolonial women inhabit complex intersections of gendered expectations, national symbolism, and intergenerational trauma that shape their psychological and social identities. This study explores how postcolonial women negotiate fragmented identities through the combined forces of cultural norms, historical violence, and unconscious psychic processes. Using a qualitative, interpretive design, the research engaged twelve women from postcolonial regions through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis informed by psychoanalytic theory revealed five central themes: internalized colonial trauma, symbolic burdens of nationhood, gendered fragmentation of self, silence and repression surrounding trauma, and resistance through re-narration of identity. Findings illuminate how colonial residues persist in emotional and psychic life, producing deep internal conflicts, repressed memories, and symbolic expectations tied to national and cultural identities. At the same time, participants demonstrated agency through storytelling, community engagement, and self-articulation, reconfiguring fragmented identities into sources of resilience. The study contributes theoretically by integrating postcolonial feminist frameworks with psychoanalytic interpretations, offering a holistic understanding of women’s identity negotiation. Practically, it underscores the need for trauma-informed, culturally grounded mental health support and gender-sensitive social policies. Limitations include a small sample size, subjective interpretation inherent in psychoanalytic analysis, and the study’s cross-sectional nature. Recommendations include expanding the research across regions, adopting multimodal data collection, and developing longitudinal inquiries. Overall, the study deepens insight into the psychological landscapes of postcolonial women, emphasizing that their fragmented identities are not merely sites of rupture but also potential grounds for resistance, healing, and empowerment.