Double bind is a dilemma in communication in which an individual (or group) receives two or more mutually conflicting messages. Double bind is not a no-win situation. The key concept here is that the situation leaves the individual in a stale position. Some examples
- A parent who says his child he loves him and the punish him with violence.
- Transgender female face the challenge of being too feminine and being labeled as artificial or not being feminine enough and not being labeled as female. Pretty rough condition.
- Mona Chollet gives a radical example were during the witch hunt. Woman suspected of witchcraft was plunged unto water. If she drowned, she was innocent (unfortunately she died), if she floated she’s a witch so she will be burned. But I’m wondering if this is a no-win situation.
References
Chollet, M. (2024). Résister à la culpabilisation: Sur quelques empêchements d’exister. [Online]. Available at: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=RkEYEQAAQBAJ&pli=1 [Accessed 27 April 2025]. (2025). Double bind. [Online]. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_bind [Accessed 1 May 2025].