empty signifier
Low/Very LowAcademic/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A term or phrase with no fixed specific meaning, used to unite diverse groups under a common banner.
In political and cultural theory, a symbol, slogan, or concept (e.g., 'freedom', 'justice', 'the people') that is intentionally vague or open to multiple interpretations, allowing different constituencies to project their own aspirations and beliefs onto it, thereby fostering social cohesion or political mobilization.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The concept originates primarily in post-structuralist and post-Marxist political theory (e.g., Ernesto Laclau). It is not an insult but a technical descriptor of a rhetorical and political function. The 'emptiness' refers to the lack of a precise, singular referent, not a lack of power or importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in academic discourse in both the UK and US.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries purely academic/theoretical connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of political theory, critical discourse analysis, and cultural studies seminars. Frequency is equally low in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The term X] functions as an empty signifier for [group Y][Concept A] has become a potent empty signifier in [political discourse B]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's become little more than an empty signifier.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political theory, cultural studies, sociology, and discourse analysis to analyze ideology, populism, and social movements.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in Laclauian and Mouffian discourse theory.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The analysis focused on empty-signifier functions in the manifesto.
- They discussed the empty-signifier nature of the campaign slogan.
American English
- He wrote about empty-signifier politics in his dissertation.
- The concept has an empty-signifier quality.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The politician's use of 'change' was analysed as an empty signifier, appealing to voters with very different desires.
- Laclau argues that successful populist movements construct an 'empty signifier' like 'the will of the people' to hegemonize a chain of disparate demands.
- In the debate, 'sustainability' risked becoming a mere empty signifier, promising all things to all people without concrete policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an 'empty' suitcase (signifier) that different people can pack with their own 'clothes' (meanings) for a shared journey.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIGNIFIER IS A CONTAINER (that can be filled by different groups).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation ('пустой означающий') is possible but will be unfamiliar without theoretical context. Avoid confusing with 'meaningless word' ('бессмысленное слово'), as the 'emptiness' is strategic, not pejorative.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'meaningless' or 'nonsensical' in a casual, derogatory way.
- Confusing it with a simple 'abstract concept'. An empty signifier's key feature is its function of political unification through semantic vagueness.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an 'empty signifier' in political theory?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Quite the opposite. Its power stems from its strategic vagueness, allowing it to mobilize large groups. It is 'empty' of a fixed meaning, not empty of effect.
Not inherently. It is an analytical tool. One can critically point out how a term is 'only' an empty signifier, but theorists also describe their construction as a necessary part of politics.
Potentially, but in theory, it is typically a high-level, abstract, positively valenced concept (e.g., 'justice', 'democracy', 'the American way') that becomes central to a political discourse.
They are closely related and often used interchangeably. Some theorists use 'floating signifier' to emphasize the constant shift in meaning, and 'empty signifier' to emphasize the function of filling that emptiness with a hegemonic project.