Identity Theories Essay

1382 Words6 Pages
Part 1 Describe the similarities and differences in the way identity is conceptualised by the psychosocial theory of identity and social identity theory This essay will look into some similarities and differences within two main identity theories. The psychosocial theory introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson (1902- 1994) and developed by an American psychologist James Marciaand, also Social Identity Theory introduced by European Jew Henri Tajfel (1919- 1982). Dorothy Miell, Ann Phoenix and Kerry Thomas, (2007) explain that the way we see and describe ourselves together with how we think others see us is a definition of identity. Identity is a very complex topic within psychology and has been studied in deep for many years. Psychosocial theory recognises personal and social element of identity however Erikson seen them as interlinked and treated them separately. `Sit` only considered social identity element and explains our identity is entirely dependent on social status of a group an individual belongs to. This essay will firstly consider aspects of history and traditions within two theories. Then it will look how identity is conceptualised within psychosocial and `sit`s` themes, like its fixity and a role of embodiment. Both Erikson`s psychosocial and Tajfels ‘sit’ have some differences as well as similarities and have both equally influenced research on identities, However they have both traditions originating from before their times. D. Miell, e, al. (2007). Suggests that psychosocial theory was influenced by at least two traditions: Wiliam Jamese`s (1842-1910) introspections and Freud`s (1856-1939) psychoanalytic ideas. The `sit` theories go back to experimental work of Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) which opened the first psychological laboratory. Also both Erikson and Tajfel emphasised on impact historical times had on identity
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