Appellation

Appellation in sociology refers to the act of naming or labeling individuals or groups in a way that assigns them a specific identity or social role. The term is often linked to Louis Althusser’s theory of interpellation, where individuals are “hailed” into social positions by ideological structures, such as education, media, or religion. Through appellation, societal norms and power dynamics shape how people perceive themselves and are perceived by others. Sociologists study appellation to understand its role in identity formation, social stratification, and the reinforcement of ideological systems. It highlights how language and labels influence power relationships and social behavior.