The Symbolic and Social Body: Metaphors and Meaning

The Symbolic and Social Body

Life is full of symbols and symbolism, and it is no wonder, since humans are the only animals able to create and interpret symbols. Anything can be represented by a symbol; thus, even in our everyday language, we use many metaphors and symbols where we use elements of our body to express feelings or capabilities. In fact, the oldest, deepest, and most universal symbol of all is the body.

Common Body Metaphors

For example, the word head is used in metaphors such as:

• Scatterbrain: A person who is "in their own court."
• Iron head: A stubborn person.
• Not fit in someone's head: Not being able to understand or conceive.
• Lose one's head: To lose reason or judgment.

With the word hand:

• Have a bad hand: Lack of skill and dexterity.
• Hidden hand: A person secretly involved in a case.
• Right hand: A very useful person to another as an assistant or partner.
• First hand: Without an intermediary.

With the word foot (pie):

• Limp with the same foot as another: To have the same defect as another person.
• Start on the right foot: To have good luck and success.
• Give foot: To offer or give rise to the occasion or reason for something.
• Put your feet on the lam: To escape.

Also, with the word arm, we find metaphors such as:

• Take someone with open arms: To welcome them with love.
• To be idle (arms crossed): To do nothing.
• Not to twist the arm: To stand firm in one's opinion or purpose.

The Body as a Social Microcosm

On the other hand, it is also noteworthy that the orifices of the body are very important for understanding the body, social life, and the world. Furthermore, we cannot talk without setting limits. These limits of the body are always ambiguous, but they must be built, protected, and tended to as sacred; because they are important, they may have taboos applied to them.

Space, Time, and Institutional Influence

Aside from defining the body, we are also limited by space and time. These two components are related to the analysis of the world around us. They are ordered in space and time, and often the two are very close (as seen in Foucault's totalizing institutions).

Thus, the body is shaped by social forces or is expressive of the same. The physical body appears in this world of symbols as a microcosm of society; it makes sense as a system that corresponds to the social system and expresses it as a system. In fact, many cultures conceive of society as a body or a corporation. We know the body and social life from within our own body.

The Mind-Body Dichotomy

Besides all this, our society tends toward the separation of body and mind. Regarding the mind-body dichotomy: the body is more than a physical object; it is rather the embodiment of consciousness and the site where intent, meaning, and practice all originate. The smallest gestures and the circumstances in which people are infused assume a profound cultural and historical significance.