Representsstriving
Representsstriving is a neologism used in discourse analysis and social psychology to describe a communicative and representational practice in which the ongoing pursuit of goals and personal improvement is central to a person’s or group’s identity. The term blends representation with striving to emphasize how ambition is projected, interpreted, and valued in social interactions. It is often discussed in relation to self-presentation and identity work, where the process of striving becomes a visible attribute rather than a mere outcome.
- Representation: the ongoing effort is stylized as a core trait of the person or group.
- Temporality: emphasis on process and trajectory rather than final achievement.
- Visibility: expressed and perceived through narratives, profiles, and branding.
- Normative valence: widely valorized as virtuous, but can invite critical scrutiny or burnout.
- Online self-presentation, resumes, and branding, where striving is showcased as a personal asset.
- Education and career development discourse, where ambition is mobilized as a path to success.
- Organizational culture and human resources communications that foreground perseverance and growth.
- Pros: can signal perseverance, resilience, and goal-oriented behavior; may mobilize resources and opportunities.
- Cons: risks becoming performative or masking structural obstacles; can contribute to pressure, anxiety, or inequities if
Identity performance, impression management, self-presentation, aspirational branding, and virtue signaling.
Impression management and self-presentation are closely related frameworks for understanding how strives and ambitions are communicated