Identity Formation

UNDERSTANDING IDENTITY
FORMATION
UNDERSTANDING IDENTITY
FORMATION
Dr. Elizabeth Gangmei, Associate Prof,
RIE, Bhubaneswar
Mr. Omkar Anwes, B.Ed IV Sem, RIE,
Bhubaneswar

UNIT
Understanding Identity formation:
the formation of person placed
contexts; the need for inner coherence
Determinant of identity formation
categories such as caste, class, gender
The influence of peer group, media,
identity formation in contemporary society
UNIT- II
Emergence of Multiple identities in
in various social and institutional
coherence; managing conflicting ‘identities’
formation in individuals and group; social
gender and religion.
media, technology and globalization on
society.

Understanding Identity formation: Emergence of Multiple identities in the formation of person
placed in various social and institutional contexts; the need for inner coherence; managing
conflicting ‘identities’
Identity- A person’s perception of one’s self as a unique person /
The distinctive characteristic belonging to any given individual, or shared by all members of a
particular social category or group. Identity may be distinguished from identification; identity is a
label, whereas identification refers to the classifying act itself. Identity is thus best construed as
being both relational and contextual, while the act of identification is best viewed as inherently
processual.
According to Hoare (2002), identity refers to a sense of who one is as a person and as a contributor
to society. It is personal coherence or self-sameness through evolving time, social change, and
altered role requirements.
Identity- labels with attached meanings that defines how you see yourself; as well as the qualities,
beliefs, and expressions that you hold and/or share in a social group.
Identity is largely concerned with the question: “Who are you?” What does it mean to be who you
are? Identity relates to our basic values that dictate the choices we make (e.g., relationships, career).
These choices reflect who we are and what we value. For example, we can assume that the
investment banker values money, while the college professor values education and helping students.
Understanding Identity formation: Emergence of Multiple identities in the formation of person
placed in various social and institutional contexts; the need for inner coherence; managing
person’s perception of one’s self as a unique person / individual.
distinctive characteristic belonging to any given individual, or shared by all members of a
may be distinguished from identification; identity is a
label, whereas identification refers to the classifying act itself. Identity is thus best construed as
being both relational and contextual, while the act of identification is best viewed as inherently
to Hoare (2002), identity refers to a sense of who one is as a person and as a contributor
sameness through evolving time, social change, and
labels with attached meanings that defines how you see yourself; as well as the qualities,
beliefs, and expressions that you hold and/or share in a social group.
Identity is largely concerned with the question: “Who are you?” What does it mean to be who you
are? Identity relates to our basic values that dictate the choices we make (e.g., relationships, career).
These choices reflect who we are and what we value. For example, we can assume that the
investment banker values money, while the college professor values education and helping students.

Identity Formation:
As born into a structural society, individual recognise
with categories/classifications and when he/she
called identification in identity theory (MC call
identification process, an identity is born.
Identity comes from relating to the world around
(Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher and Wetherell
social groups we identify ourselves strongly with
be biased to the positive characteristics of
negatively biased towards the out-group, seeing
not want to be associated with. Consequently
esteem.
Example- How Am I Unique? You are unique
large number of social categories available
identity. Personal identity are your goals, feelings,
differently than anyone else in this room even
recognise the need to find self in a world filled
he/she identify selves similar to classifications, it is
call & Simmons, 1978). By going through the
around us. According to Social identity theory
Wetherell, 1987), our concept of self comes from the
with which is called the in-group and we tend to
that group such as status or power and be
seeing them with undesirable characteristics we do
Consequently, who we identify ourselves will feed our self-
unique…. because you identify yourselves with a
available within society, creating your own personal
feelings, values and desires that makes you function
if you are an identical twin!

Identity formation - also known as individuation,
distinct personality of an individual regarded
personal continuity) in a particular
characteristics are possessed and by which
This process defines individuals to others
Identity formation has to do with the complex
establish a unique view of self and is characterized
It is therefore highly related to terms such
personality development. Lack of a coherent
uncertainty about what one wants to do in
Pieces of the person's actual identity include
uniqueness from others, and a sense
individuation whereby the undifferentiated
undergoes stages through which differentiated
toward becoming a more indivisible whole
individuation, is the development of the
regarded as a persisting entity (known as
stage of life in which individual
which a person is recognized or known.
others and themselves
complex manner in which human beings
characterized by continuity and inner unity.
such as the self, self-concept, values, and
coherent sense of identity will lead to
in life.
include a sense of continuity, a sense of
of affiliation. This may be through
undifferentiated individual tends to become unique, or
differentiated facets of a person's life tend
whole.

A person may hold multiple identities such as a teacher,
meanings and expectations that are internalized as
early adolescence is the differentiation of multiple selves
father, mother, close friends) with an awareness of
girl, While she was happy with her friends, she seemed
cheerful around her friends to being rude with her mother
people mature cognitively, they achieve a sense of coherence
Identity may be acquired indirectly from parents,
define themselves in terms of how they think their
worthless, they will come to define themselves as worthless
may remember more positive than negative statements
Psychologists assume that identity formation is a matter
and potential with available social roles . Thus, defining
most difficult choices a person ever makes. In the face
identities, such as drug abuse, compulsive shopping,
experiencing aliveness or staving off depression and
What constitute the true self? The ultimate goal for
that are consistent with their true self . To deny the
happiness in life means to live in harmony with one’s true
teacher, father, or friend. Each position has its own
as identity. A major task of self-development during
selves as a function of social context (e.g., self with
the potential contradictions. For e.g. A 16-year-old
seemed to be depressed, or she would switch from being
mother. which one is the real her? However, as young
coherence in their identity.
parents, peers, and other role models. Children come to
their parents see them. If their parents see them as
worthless. People who perceive themselves as likable
statements.
matter of “finding oneself” by matching one’s talents
defining oneself within a social world is among one of the
face of identity struggle, many end up adopting darker
shopping, or gambling, as a compensatory method of
meaninglessness.
for individuals is to develop and nurture those choices
true self is to deny the best within us. To find more
true self.

Three goals are required for the task of identity formation.
I. The first task is discovering and developing one’s personal potentials. Personal potentials
refer to those things that the person can do better than other things.
II. The second step is choosing one’s purpose in life. It is necessary to choose what we are
seeking to accomplish in our lives.
III. Finally, one is required to find opportunities to implement that potential and purpose. Open
societies allow for role mobility and flexibility to implement identity
Identity is never “final” and continues to develop through the lifespan. Knowing one’s identity accurately
increases self-esteem and reduces depression and anxiety. When people are doing what they think they
should be doing, they are happy
THEORY OF IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT/FORMATION
 Erikson was among the first theorists who introduced and elaborated
identity in adolescence (Adams & Marshall, 1996;
 James Marcia is another person who is credited for his significant
empirical investigations on identity formation (Adams, 1992)
goals are required for the task of identity formation.
first task is discovering and developing one’s personal potentials. Personal potentials
refer to those things that the person can do better than other things.
second step is choosing one’s purpose in life. It is necessary to choose what we are
, one is required to find opportunities to implement that potential and purpose. Open
societies allow for role mobility and flexibility to implement identity-related choices.
Identity is never “final” and continues to develop through the lifespan. Knowing one’s identity accurately
esteem and reduces depression and anxiety. When people are doing what they think they
THEORY OF IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT/FORMATION
Erikson was among the first theorists who introduced and elaborated important concepts related to
identity in adolescence (Adams & Marshall, 1996; Kroger, 2003).
James Marcia is another person who is credited for his significant contributions to broadening
empirical investigations on identity formation (Adams, 1992)

Determinant of identity formation in individuals and group; social categories such as caste,
class, gender and religion.
Caste is a complex social and psychological
psychological phenomenon in many spheres of
contexts. The caste system is an integral feature
provides a hierarchy of social roles that hold
remain stable throughout life (Dirks, 1989).
A strong caste identity could provide feelings
on some caste norms. Particularly, it is known that
more stable construct wherein this identity is inherited
identity and this is predominantly attributed to
generations of one’s caste group. High caste
continuity, positive distinctiveness, and heightened
caste identity (Jaspal, 2011).
Caste group members position themselves, psychologically,
(consisting of their caste in-group (Brahmin, Kshatriyas
Moreover, it is likely that, in many cases, caste
particular psychological functions for the self-concept
belongingness or self-esteem (Jaspal, 2011).
Determinant of identity formation in individuals and group; social categories such as caste,
psychological construct and persists as an important socio-
of Indian social life and particularly within village
feature of the Indian societal structure. The caste system
hold inherent characteristics and, more importantly,
of belongingness or self-esteem, thereby relying
that high caste individuals see caste identity as a
inherited at birth. They tend to essentialise their
to the feelings of connectedness with previous
individuals also develop feelings of temporal
heightened self-esteem from essentialisation of their
psychologically, in relation to the caste system
Kshatriyas etc.) and caste outgroups- SC, ST etc.).
caste identity or caste group affiliation may serve
concept; in some cases, it may provide feelings of

Social identity approaches indicate
themselves as interchange-able exemplars
themselves and others primarily in terms
(Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher and Wetherell
Theoretical strands from social identity
understanding the psychological connection
group and indeed how members of one
of another. Two identified processes is involved
(i) the assimilation–accommodation process,
example, social representations, events)
within the identity structure and (ii) the
confers meaning and value upon the contents
universal across all human beings ( Jaspal
The theory postulates that the two
motivational principles, namely (i) continuity
efficacy; (iv) self-esteem; (v) belonging
coherence. The continuity principle requires
time, despite imminent changes in one’s
that individuals may come to regard
exemplars of their social groups by viewing
terms of their caste group memberships
Wetherell, 1987)
identity theory (Tajfel, 1982) are useful in
connection of the individual to their caste
one caste group will interact with members
involved in identity construction, namely
process, whereby new information (for
events) are absorbed into and accommodated
the evaluation process, which continuously
contents of identity. These processes are
Jaspal, 2011).
processes are guided by a variety of
continuity; (ii) distinctiveness; (iii) self-
belonging; (vi) meaning and (vii) psychological
requires that the self remain the same over
one’s social environment.

What is Social Class in India?
A Social class is a stratum with a definite identity recognized by its members and others. It is concerned
with a group of individuals which cuts across castes and religion. Class societies are
horizontal division of society into strata. A Social class may be
may be defined in terms of some objectives, normally economic. According to Karl Marx, classes are
large groups of people who differ from another by their relation to the means of production, by their role
in the social organization and labor and consequently by the mode and dimension of acquiring the share
of social wealth of which they dispose.
A Social class is a stratum with a definite identity recognized by its members and others. It is concerned
with a group of individuals which cuts across castes and religion. Class societies are characterized by the
Social class may be understood in a couple of ways. First it
may be defined in terms of some objectives, normally economic. According to Karl Marx, classes are
large groups of people who differ from another by their relation to the means of production, by their role
and consequently by the mode and dimension of acquiring the share

Social class in India broadly refer to economic basis of ownership or non
means of production. Classes are sub-divided in terms of types of ownership and control of economic
resources and the type of services contributed to the process of
Class positions also tend to be associated with social
of ownership or non-ownership of means of production. The
have scope of individual upward social mobility. In
upward, and hence, the mobility is much slower.
Social class is an important influence on people’s lives. An individual’s social class has a major influence
on his or her life chances. The chance of obtaining those things defined as desirable and avoiding
those things defined as undesirable in any society. There are wide, measurable differences in life
chances between social classes.
refer to economic basis of ownership or non-ownership relation to the
terms of types of ownership and control of economic
to the process of production.
positions also tend to be associated with social honour; however, they are defined more in terms
ownership of means of production. The classes are much more open and fluid and
have scope of individual upward social mobility. In caste system, only an entire segment can move
Social class is an important influence on people’s lives. An individual’s social class has a major influence
on his or her life chances. The chance of obtaining those things defined as desirable and avoiding
those things defined as undesirable in any society. There are wide, measurable differences in life

Gender is a human issue and does not confine to only boy or a girl
of identity. GENDER is PSYCHOLOGICAL and refers to our awareness and reaction to biological
sex, gender is determined by biological, psychological and sociological
feminine are psychological terms that refer to a person’s
people adopt marks them out as similar to some people and different from others, and they will
generally adopt forms of behaviour which ‘fit’ the identities they construct
While we may be able to some extent to influence the exact details of our own gender
identities, the options available to us are limited. We
such as the family, the school, the peer group and the mass media, which frequently promote
socially approved forms of masculine and feminine
Class, Race, and Gender interact in order to produce a person’s place in society, and their self
identity. Race and gender represent ascribed status and carry with them cultural stereotypes and
values which individuals and groups must confront and
difficult to change, the social meanings of a status can be modified or changed through social
action. In capitalistic democracies class status is somewhat fluid and subject to modification by the
individual.
Gender is a human issue and does not confine to only boy or a girl and it is an important source
is PSYCHOLOGICAL and refers to our awareness and reaction to biological
biological, psychological and sociological factors; masculine and
feminine are psychological terms that refer to a person’s gender. The particular gender identity
people adopt marks them out as similar to some people and different from others, and they will
which ‘fit’ the identities they construct.
While we may be able to some extent to influence the exact details of our own gender
We are influenced by agencies of socialisation
such as the family, the school, the peer group and the mass media, which frequently promote
socially approved forms of masculine and feminine behaviour.
, Race, and Gender interact in order to produce a person’s place in society, and their self
identity. Race and gender represent ascribed status and carry with them cultural stereotypes and
values which individuals and groups must confront and challenge. Though an ascribed status is
difficult to change, the social meanings of a status can be modified or changed through social
action. In capitalistic democracies class status is somewhat fluid and subject to modification by the

The influence of peer group, media, technology and
globalization on identity formation in contemporary
society.
Adolescence is a very dynamic phase of someone’s life. It
is the phase in which someone undergoes many changes
and starts forming his or her own identity. It is a phase
that for some youth brings a lot of good things and new
opportunities, other youth gets confused and
disorientated. This phase is not just dynamic, but also quite
complex, which becomes clear when defining youth and
unravelling their identities.
The term ‘globalisation’ is derived from ‘globalise’, which
means increasing interaction between nation states
through the economic growth and internationalisation
products and ideas. It paves the way for new western
ideologies and permeates cultural spaces, which has
significant effects on the social and cultural identities.
Globalisation, exhibited in the glittering multicultural
saturation, which is easily attracting the masses of third
world nations to praise new ideologies and to question
their own identity.
The influence of peer group, media, technology and
globalization on identity formation in contemporary
is a very dynamic phase of someone’s life. It
changes
and starts forming his or her own identity. It is a phase
of good things and new
just dynamic, but also quite
complex, which becomes clear when defining youth and
’, which
internationalisation of
western
ideologies and permeates cultural spaces, which has
and cultural identities.
, exhibited in the glittering multicultural
of third
world nations to praise new ideologies and to question

Identity Constitutes a complex tapestry derives from the doctrine of the people, his memories, history,
and cultural activities.
Globalisation has sometimes been described as a compression of space and time, where information
travels much further and faster than it appeared to. This has a significant impact on the formation of
people’s identities.
Culture, place and identity are closely bound. The languages we speak, together with the music and
food we enjoy, form a big part of our identities. Globalisation
us to experience a wider range of material cultures (such as food and music). How we make sense of
these global cultural flows will modify on our sense of who we are
Our identities are complex and forever changing. When we experience different places our
identities change - often in response to the variety of people we meet in those places. Home or
away, globalisation causes us to meet people whose identities maybe rooted in distant places. Our
engagement with people who hail from afar will influence how we build and reshape our own
identities.
Globalization affects youth in almost every part of the world. Trade back and forth between
countries, opening up of borders and the growth of the internet, and other forms of media have
created a change in the youth of many countries. In the globalized world almost every country,
people exchange their culture, ideas, policies, views, opinion, trends, fashion, language, life style,
food habits and daily practice etc.
Constitutes a complex tapestry derives from the doctrine of the people, his memories, history,
has sometimes been described as a compression of space and time, where information
travels much further and faster than it appeared to. This has a significant impact on the formation of
, place and identity are closely bound. The languages we speak, together with the music and
Globalisation impacts on our identities by enabling
us to experience a wider range of material cultures (such as food and music). How we make sense of
these global cultural flows will modify on our sense of who we are.
identities are complex and forever changing. When we experience different places our
often in response to the variety of people we meet in those places. Home or
causes us to meet people whose identities maybe rooted in distant places. Our
engagement with people who hail from afar will influence how we build and reshape our own
Globalization affects youth in almost every part of the world. Trade back and forth between
up of borders and the growth of the internet, and other forms of media have
the youth of many countries. In the globalized world almost every country,
, ideas, policies, views, opinion, trends, fashion, language, life style,

Media is the information we are given through TV, radio, newspaper, the internet and other forms of
social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,
positively by shaping who “I am”. It influences a person
and TV/movie taste. The media has negatively effected youth by
others need to look and act in society.
Media connects us to current events going on in the world, and it creates cultural globalization.
Cultural globalization is the process by which culture expressions are spread over global networks. It
affects the way you see the world, and the opinions you have on others and global issues
Digital media plays a central role in shaping the lives of children
Increasingly, young people use digital spaces to build relationships,
desires. Everyday experiences in real and online spaces also involve
risks and pleasures. In what ways does this virtual society lead to the creation of
identities, and what does it imply for social, economic, private and political futures?
Global society has witnessed the phenomenon of media and its effect on individual, national
transnational identities over the past several decades and there is a paradigmatic shift in
axiomatic that global interconnections enabled by digital media are playing a central role in
transformations of these identities.
TV, radio, newspaper, the internet and other forms of
Instagram, whatsapp. The media has affected youth
a person preferences on the subjects of clothing, music,
and TV/movie taste. The media has negatively effected youth by making an image of how myself and
Media connects us to current events going on in the world, and it creates cultural globalization.
is the process by which culture expressions are spread over global networks. It
you see the world, and the opinions you have on others and global issues.
media plays a central role in shaping the lives of children and young people today.
Increasingly, young people use digital spaces to build relationships, express opinions and assert
desires. Everyday experiences in real and online spaces also involve encountering new knowledge,
risks and pleasures. In what ways does this virtual society lead to the creation of new and/or multiple
identities, and what does it imply for social, economic, private and political futures?
Global society has witnessed the phenomenon of media and its effect on individual, national and
identities over the past several decades and there is a paradigmatic shift in the and it is
axiomatic that global interconnections enabled by digital media are playing a central role in the

One of the most important transitions occurring during adolescence is the rise of
relationships in importance and influence. Peer relationships provide a context not
acquisition and maintenance of friendships and friendship networks but also
of key social skills, social problem solving skills, and
the most important transitions occurring during adolescence is the rise of peer
in importance and influence. Peer relationships provide a context not only for the
acquisition and maintenance of friendships and friendship networks but also for the development
of key social skills, social problem solving skills, and empathy.

REFERENCES:
Dirks N. B. (1989). The original caste: power, history and hierarchy in south
77.
Jaspal R. (2011). Caste, social stigma and identity processes. Psychol. Dev. Soc. 23 27
Tajfel, H. (1982). Social psychology of intergroup relations. Annual Review of Psychology, 33,
Turner, J.C., Hogg, M.A., Oakes, P.J., Reicher, S.D., & Wetherell
group: A self-categorization theory. Oxford, United Kingdom:
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/india-2/social-class
consciousness/47388
https://www.slideshare.net/nevzat1975/lecture-9-culture
https://www.numptynerd.net/globalisation-and-identity.html
https://www.slideshare.net/philpiedt/globalization-presentation
https://ntgc.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Psychology_RS_WORK
YOUTH-IDENTITY-AND-IDENTITY-CRISIS.pdf
https://sociologytwynham.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/social
N. B. (1989). The original caste: power, history and hierarchy in south asia. Contrib. Indian Sociol. 23 59–
R. (2011). Caste, social stigma and identity processes. Psychol. Dev. Soc. 23 27–62.
, H. (1982). Social psychology of intergroup relations. Annual Review of Psychology, 33, 1–39
Wetherell, M.S. (Eds). (1987). Rediscovering the social
categorization theory. Oxford, United Kingdom: Blackwell
class-in-india-class-typology-and-class-
culture-and-diversity-social-class-lecture-7
identity.html
presentation-1746444
content/uploads/2020/04/Psychology_RS_WORK-INFLUENCE-OF-GLOBALIZATION-ON-
sociologytwynham.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/social-class-and-identity-2.pptx

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