Poststructuralism is a theoretical approach that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in response to structuralism. It challenges the idea that language and meaning are fixed, arguing instead that they are fluid and shaped by context. This perspective emphasizes the instability of meaning and the role of power dynamics in shaping knowledge and interpretation. Key figures in poststructuralism include Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault, who explored how texts and discourses can be interpreted in multiple ways. Poststructuralism encourages critical thinking about how cultural and social factors influence our understanding of truth, identity, and reality.