Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
08:01
Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency
Published on: October 28, 2020
Theorizing identity: beyond the 'us' and 'them' dichotomy
1Director of the Research Centre on Migration, Refugees and Belonging, University of East London.
Patterns of Prejudice
|July 9, 2010
Summary
This study explores the complex nature of identity, challenging simplistic, dichotomous views. It argues that understanding identity requires examining its theoretical, empirical, and relational dimensions beyond binary oppositions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Identity Studies
Background:
- Theorizing identity involves debates on its conceptualization and empirical research methods.
- Existing frameworks often view identity through narrative, performativity, or dialogical lenses.
- Understanding identity is crucial for analyzing social belonging and political dynamics.
Observation:
- This work examines identity through three interconnected questions: its theoretical and empirical basis, its definition and relation to belonging, and its boundaries.
- It contrasts views of identity from scholars like Stuart Hall and Robin Williams.
- The research explores social psychological and psychoanalytical perspectives on self and non-self relationships.
Findings:
- Identity is contested and deeply intertwined with notions of belonging and the politics of belonging.
- Theories of identity as narrative, performativity, or dialogical practice are analyzed.
- The study investigates the boundaries of identity, including reflexivity, identifications, and forced identities.
Implications:
- Dichotomous conceptions of identity and difference are often misleading for understanding individual and collective identities.
- A more nuanced approach is needed to grasp the complexities of self and non-self interactions.
- This research offers a framework for re-evaluating identity construction in social and political contexts.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Self Within Cultural Contexts
Cultural frameworks for understanding the self are often categorized into two broad orientations: individualism and collectivism. These paradigms influence how people define themselves, relate to others, and interpret their social worlds. Each orientation offers distinct perspectives on autonomy, responsibility, and the role of the individual within a community.Individualistic CulturesIn individualistic cultures like North America and Western Europe, identity is understood as autonomous and...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
01:21Role-Based Identity
Role-based identities are central to understanding how individuals navigate social environments by adopting distinct self-conceptions aligned with various societal roles. These identities are not fixed traits but are constructed through personal actions and the social feedback individuals receive in context-specific interactions. Each social role, such as student, teacher, or friend, carries a set of expectations and norms that influence how people think, feel, and behave within that...
01:26Marcia's Theory of Identity Status
James Marcia's identity status model provides a framework for understanding how adolescents navigate identity formation through varying degrees of exploration and commitment. Marcia's model builds on Erik Erikson's theories of psychosocial development, focusing specifically on how adolescents reconcile individual aspirations with societal expectations. His model describes identity formation as a dynamic process where adolescents move between different states depending on their level of...
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
01:23The Role of Culture
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...