Topic 3: Collective Identities
Let’s begin
From the perspectives of Hecht and Goffman, we now view the construction of our identities as highly influenced by our social groups. As such, individuals internalize societal norms and practices that result in collective identities such as racial and ethnic identity, national identity, religious identity, and organizational identity. These identities are then believed to be shaped by power dynamics in society. The notion of positioning may be relevant in understanding this process of social identity construction evident in identity politics.
Learning Outcome: After this activity, you should be able to analyze issues in the construction of collective identities.
Read
Andreouli, E. (2010). Identity, positioning and self-other relations. Papers on Social
Representations, 19, 14.1-14.13.
Think
Answer the following study questions (lifted from “Module 3: Communication and Identity Construction,” n.d., p. 9)
- What is positioning? How does it clarify the relational character of identity?
- How does positioning explain how marginalized groups negotiate and assert their collective identities in asymmetric social relations where they experience discrimination and prejudice?
Dig Deeper
Martin, JN. & Nakayama, TK. (2010). Identity and intercultural communication. In Intercultural
Communication in Contexts (5th ed.) (pp. 161-217). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Wodak, R; De Cillia, R; Reisigl, M & Liebhart, K. (1999). The Discursive Construction of National
Identity. Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Edinburgh University Press.