Understanding the concept of identity delves into the essence of who we are as individuals within the intricate tapestry of society. At its core, identity encapsulates the distinctive characteristics that set us apart from others, yet it also encompasses our connections to broader social constructs. Whether it’s our nationality, culture, or gender, identity encompasses both our uniqueness and our communal ties. Exploring the elements that contribute to identity construction sheds light on how individuals navigate their sense of self within the context of larger societal frameworks. People use the following methods in order to construct an identity –

• Social media – to interact with friends, celebrities, opinion leaders, and strangers
• Music Videos
• Blogs/Vlogs
• Magazines

Self-identity serves as the cornerstone of our self-esteem, defining how we perceive ourselves as individuals. During adolescence, our self-perception undergoes shifts influenced by the opinions of peers, family dynamics, and the environments we inhabit, notably within school and other social spheres. Consequently, our self-perception and, by extension, our self-identity significantly impact our sense of belonging. Conversely, social identity emerges as a construct influenced by external factors, diverging from our personal self-identity. Within society, individuals are often categorized based on overarching labels, such as “jocks” for those inclined towards sports and fitness, or “geeks” for those dedicated to academic pursuits.

According to the Social Identity Theory, individuals possess not just one singular “personal self” or identity, but rather a multifaceted array of selves that they deploy in varied social interactions. Depending on the social context or the identity of the group involved, individuals instinctively draw upon different facets of their identity, such as personal, familial, or national aspects. Moreover, individuals typically harbor multiple social identities, each stemming from their affiliation with distinct social groups. A fundamental aspect of this theory is the adaptive nature of identity, wherein individuals refine and adapt their self-presentation to align with the expectations and norms of different social circles. Consequently, social identity emerges as a dynamic and fluid construct, constantly evolving in response to social interactions and group dynamics.

As the Social Identity Theory gained significant interest within the field of psychology, different psychologists has different perspectives on social identity. Let’s now explore the different perspectives!

1. Sheldon Stryker’s Perspective on Social Identity – suggests that individuals engage in interactions within group settings to create their identities, a phenomenon he termed “identity negotiation.” This process unfolds through ongoing social contact and exchanges, culminating in the acquisition of behavioral patterns that strengthen both individual and group identities. These acquired behaviors, termed social expectations, shape the dynamics within the group by fostering distinct modes of communication and interaction characterized by shared attitudes, language, and ideas. Ultimately, these shared elements contribute to the construction of both group and individual identities.
2. Mikhail Bakhtin’s Perspective on Social Identity posits that individuals defy complete understanding or categorization within a singular identity. Bakhtin conceptualized identity as perpetually “unfinished,” implying that individuals remain fundamentally unknowable because they continuously evolve and transform. Central to Bakhtin’s viewpoint is the recognition of identity’s fluid nature, asserting that it fluctuates in response to situational contexts and matures over the course of one’s life journey.

Let’s juxtapose Stryker’s and Bakhtin’s perspectives on social identity. Stryker contended that individuals’ interactions within their social groups shape their identities. This process involves acquiring distinct language and behaviors characteristic of the group, which in turn become intrinsic to the individuals within it. Conversely, Bakhtin posited that Stryker’s approach, which seeks to definitively label identities, is impossible because identity is fluid, constantly evolving over time.

An intriguing identity category that requires exploration is “youth.” Youth defines the phase between childhood and adulthood in an individual’s life. Consequently, the youth face constraints that restrict their capacity to participate fully in the public domain, where adult perspectives predominate. Historically, youth have been marginalized from moral and political discourse, their voices disregarded in arenas shaping social policy. This pattern of exclusion inhibits youth from cultivating identities that reflect their unique individual and collective aspirations.

The media wields considerable influence in shaping the portrayal of identity, strategically selecting how race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, occupation, and age are depicted to resonate with broader audiences. This deliberate curation leaves a lasting imprint on the perceptions of youth, often presenting skewed or inaccurate representations of various identities. For instance, when targeting adult audiences, the media may emphasize concerns like aging-related skin changes or mid-life crises, which can create unrealistic expectations for youth. Movies and TV shows exert a particularly direct influence on youth, as they often emulate the behavior of characters they admire or aspire to be like. If a protagonist is depicted as loud and abusive, for example, youth may emulate these traits to align themselves with the perceived qualities of the main character.

Subcultures exert a notable influence on identity formation, particularly when individuals feel marginalized or unfulfilled by the larger cultural framework. When the broader society fails to provide desired status, acceptance, or identity, individuals often turn to subcultures for fulfillment. For instance, youth, who find themselves excluded from the societal mainstream due to their age, gravitate towards youth subcultures where their age-related needs are acknowledged and met as well as the fact that their voice is heard and accepted. This need arises from the unique position of youth—they are deemed too old to be considered children yet not yet fully recognized as adults. Faced with this ambiguity, youth are compelled to create their own collective identities within subcultures, where they can establish a sense of belonging and define their identities on their own terms.

There are three common factors that all subcultures share –

1. An awareness of membership & a sense of belonging
2. A reason for being in the group (internal motive)
3. A pressure to conform to the subculture/group’s standards (ex: Sally no longer wanted to associate with her friend John because he is a youth Republican

Culture and subculture both set the standards that individuals are expected to follow, thereby shaping and regulating one’s identity. The effects of culture are clearly seen today, especially with regards to the political polarization of the United States between those who identify as Democrats, Republicans, and then MAGA supporters. In our next biopsychology blog, we will discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs!