Social Identity Theory
TMA.01
Part 1
Summarise two theories of identity and compare their usefulness for explaining the real world issues discussed in chapter 1, 'Identities and diversity'.
The study of identity is primarily the study of 'who we are' and 'who we are not' in comparison to other people, what makes individuals and groups of individuals unique from each other is a very controversial issue. This essay will look at two theories that aim to address this issue, namely, the Psychosocial theory and the Social Identity Theory (SIT). Whilst examining these two theories this essay will also look at their relevance to some every day issues.
The view of Psychosocial theorists is one that identity is produced simultaneously by both personal and social factors. Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson was the first theorist to view identity this way, for Erikson identity consisted of 'a conscious sense of individual uniqueness, an unconscious striving for continuity and a solidarity with a groups ideas' (Erikson cited in Phoenix, 2007, p.53). He believed that a solid understanding of who we are, how we fit in to and are viewed by society forms a core identity, which in turn will create a sense of continuity. Erikson lived through two world wars during which many people feared for their lives. This heightened sense of mortality led to identity confusion. Hence Erikson believed that 'identity crisis' was prevalent at this time.
'Identity crisis' for Erikson was a certain period of time when some young people could not create a solid 'Ego Identity' (a clear understanding of oneself) and were confused and unable to commit to a certain path, the form that this crisis took would be socially and historically variable. This lack of a solid Ego identity Erikson termed as 'role diffusion'. Erikson believed that identity was an ongoing lifelong process through eight different progressive stages ranging from birth to late adulthood, each stage encapsulated many times of crisis and conflict
Part 1
Summarise two theories of identity and compare their usefulness for explaining the real world issues discussed in chapter 1, 'Identities and diversity'.
The study of identity is primarily the study of 'who we are' and 'who we are not' in comparison to other people, what makes individuals and groups of individuals unique from each other is a very controversial issue. This essay will look at two theories that aim to address this issue, namely, the Psychosocial theory and the Social Identity Theory (SIT). Whilst examining these two theories this essay will also look at their relevance to some every day issues.
The view of Psychosocial theorists is one that identity is produced simultaneously by both personal and social factors. Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson was the first theorist to view identity this way, for Erikson identity consisted of 'a conscious sense of individual uniqueness, an unconscious striving for continuity and a solidarity with a groups ideas' (Erikson cited in Phoenix, 2007, p.53). He believed that a solid understanding of who we are, how we fit in to and are viewed by society forms a core identity, which in turn will create a sense of continuity. Erikson lived through two world wars during which many people feared for their lives. This heightened sense of mortality led to identity confusion. Hence Erikson believed that 'identity crisis' was prevalent at this time.
'Identity crisis' for Erikson was a certain period of time when some young people could not create a solid 'Ego Identity' (a clear understanding of oneself) and were confused and unable to commit to a certain path, the form that this crisis took would be socially and historically variable. This lack of a solid Ego identity Erikson termed as 'role diffusion'. Erikson believed that identity was an ongoing lifelong process through eight different progressive stages ranging from birth to late adulthood, each stage encapsulated many times of crisis and conflict