Post-structuralism is a theoretical approach that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in response to structuralism. It challenges the idea that meaning is fixed and emphasizes the fluidity of language and interpretation. Post-structuralists argue that texts and cultural artifacts can have multiple meanings, shaped by context, culture, and individual perspectives. Key figures in post-structuralism include Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault, who explored how power dynamics and societal structures influence knowledge and meaning. This approach has impacted various fields, including literary theory, philosophy, and cultural studies, encouraging a more critical examination of how we understand and interpret the world.