Multiple Identities: A Theoretical and an Empirical Approach

A brief summary of sociological theories concerning the development of identity states that it emerges through the interactions between individuals and society, implying that the individual is unable to attain an identity in an autonomous manner. An identity is therefore constructed and formed through contact with other individuals, groups and cultures in one’s socio-cultural environment. The concept of symbolic interactionism plays a fundamental role here. Societies establish and form social roles by means of linked expectations. In turn, an individual is introduced to these and is exposed to them throughout their socialisation. They are internalised and emerge as critical elements of identity. Explained another way, there are numerous identities in a society that are already fixed and established. The individual is confronted by those identities and must adapt to them. Individuals are seen as active participants in this process, capable of reflecting on it even constructing it and forming their own identity independently. A tension therefore exists between established social identities and the capacity of individuals to construct their own identities. This is a dynamic process that goes on throughout various life stages and differs according to social milieu. With this is mind; identity may be defined as one’s personal awareness of being a distinctive individual, with a unique life-story and being in constant confrontation with the environment in order to attain a balance between individual claims and the expectations of this environment.1