Interpellation

Interpellation is a term used in both philosophy and politics to describe distinct but related ideas about addressing and questioning authority. In philosophy and social theory, interpellation refers to the process by which ideology constitutes individuals as subjects. Louis Althusser popularized the concept, arguing that social institutions—such as education, media, and the state—“hail” individuals, calling them to identify with a given social position. The subject then recognizes themselves in this hail and adopts the corresponding identity and norms, often without conscious awareness. This mechanism helps reproduce social order by making individuals feel they act under their own will while actually adhering to ideological constraints.

In parliamentary and constitutional practice, interpellation denotes a formal procedure by which a member of a legislature questions a government minister about policy, administration, or a recent decision. The inquiry is typically scheduled, and the minister is expected to provide an answer within a defined period, sometimes accompanied by a debate. Interpellation serves as a tool for government accountability and public scrutiny, allowing legislators to challenge executive actions and bring issues before the chamber and the public.

Etymology-wise, interpellation comes from the French interpellation, from interpellér “to call to, hail,” itself derived from Latin interpellare. While the term shares a common root, its use in theory and in parliamentary procedure reflects different aims: one analyzes how ideology shapes subjectivity, the other provides a formal mechanism for political oversight. See also interrogation and question time.