Identity Formation Within Groups

Abstract

Individual identity formation within groups is a central issue in contemporary society. In order to find self in relationship to a group, an individual moves between polar positions of being like and unlike others, through the processes of dedifferentation and differentiation. A true identity is achieved when there is a fusion of the two processes into a single sense of being. Spurious identities result from an arresting of this development with an imbalance in favor of either differentiation or dedifferentiation.