Identity Negotiation

Self and Identity

O What is the self? O It is O A self-organising,

interactive system of thoughts, feelings and motives that characterize an individual. O Reflexive and dynamic in nature. O Filters the perceptions of the world. O Stable yet fluid, according to the

Feelings

Attitudes

Thought

Emotions

Behaviour

Identity or identities
O What do we mean by identity? O Thoughts or feelings about the self or

self-views. O Two broad classes of self viewsO Personal self-view O Social self-view

O Not merely passive repositories but

actively shape actions

Identities are negotiated. Are they?

O Identity negotiation is a bi-directional

process through which

O the individual and society interact to agree

on the identity and meaning of the individual. O people strike a balance between achieving their interaction goals and satisfying their identity related goals. O smooth interpersonal interactions and intrapersonal harmony are ensured.

Identity Negotiations
O The primary purpose of any social interaction-

achieving a working consensus regarding the roles each person will play. O Reconciling the two processes in social interactionO Perceivers expectancies and resultant behaviour

of negotiators, O Self-verification strivings of the negotiators.

O Fundamentally an interactionist phenomenon.

Negotiations Assets Vs. Identities

O Function and ubiquity O Motivation O Communication channels O Longevity

Negotiation process
Principles
O Clarity of desired identity

Challenges
O Uncertainty
O Mismatched

and relationship goals O Co-operation through consistency and reciprocity O Continuity across time and situations O Compatibility of different identities with same partner

expectations O Sudden changes and discontinuities in identity O Logical or emotional incompatibility

A process model
Individuals identity & goals
Partners identity & goals

T I M E

Individuals negotiations Partners negotiations Individuals situated identity/ Partners situated appraisal OUTCOMES

Individuals resulting identity & goals

Partners resulting identity & goals

What happens when identities change?

O Sociocultural and contextual changes O Environmental changes O Developmental growth and role changes O Acquisition or loss of abilities O Strategic self verification O Self initiated changes

O Gateway identities

A last word.
Identities define people, and make them viable as human beings; Identity negotiation process defines relationships and makes them viable as a foundation for organised social activity.