Bases of Identities

Abstract

AbstractThe different bases of identities refer to the source of the meanings in the identity standard. Identities based on personal meanings, role meanings, group meanings, and social category meanings are discussed along with the implications and consequences of having meanings lodged in these different bases. While all identities operate in the same manner, there are differences among identities with different bases, which result from the context in which each type of identity is activated. However, person, role, group, and categorical identities can be thought of as simultaneously operating in situations. Indeed, within groups there are roles, and persons play out these roles in different ways based on the distinctive aspects that define who they are. This overlap of identities in situations is discussed. Finally, the authors discuss how the verification of the different identities is associated with different bases of self-esteem. The verification of person identities is associated with authenticity-based self-esteem, the verification of role identities is related to efficacy-based esteem, and the verification of group and categoric identities is tied to worth-based esteem.