The Lacanian subject of the lack, beyond subject positions, was a central part of Laclau's theory, and theorising the subject as 'distance' is one of the most significant developments of post-structuralist theory. However, theoretical and analytical problems need to be addressed. Due to the ontological primacy granted the political the theory posits every subject as a political subject. Without the thesis of the primacy of the political subjectivity reappears in all social spheres. Analytically the problem is that one can not see the subject (as such), only positions, and the traces of subjectivity i.e. excluded alternatives following from decisions. So far the establishment of 'political subjectivities' has been the main focus. However even a political subjectivity is a certain positioning. Therefore, analytical strategies must be developed which reintroduce the focus on positions in the study of subjectivities, and articulate these with the theoretical logic of subjectivity as lack.
