Identity
Kenneth Gergen has suggested the following identity classifications. First, is a strategic manipulator, one who sees all senses of identity as role-playing exercises, who, gradually, becomes alienated from their social self. The pastiche personality abandons all aspirations in favor of a true, essential identity, social interactions are opportunities to play out, becoming the roles played. The relational self disregards an exclusive self, all sense of identity formed from the social engagement with others.
Two restrictive interpretations of identity, follow opposite tendency. The first takes the sense of self and belonging as a fixed thing, defined by a common ancestry and biology. The second is rooted in social constructionist theory. Identity formed by, a mostly, political choice. It questions identity as a natural given, known by fixed, 'objective' criteria. Both must consider respective historical, political contexts, framed by debate on class, race and ethnicity.
Identity is hard to pin down, put your finger on. It's a virtual intangible. Identity has many meanings from fundamental, abiding sameness to contingent, fluid and negotiated. Brubaker and Cooper note identity confusion in categorical practice and analysis. Many follow their own prescriptions rather than study the mechanisms that lead to a crystallised reality. Hall considers diverse and ever-changing social experience. Others see identifiable components, with individual interpretation. Identity by personal choice about who you associate with and what you do.
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