Conceptualising Identity and Diversity: Overlaps, Intersections, and Processes

Abstract

ABSTRACT/RESUME This analytic paper provides a concise overview of the concepts of identity and diversity. It begins with a definition of identity and identification, explains the difference between types of identities and specific identifies, and introduces an important distinction between overlapping and intersecting identities. Common approaches to the conceptualisation of an individual's identity are then presented, along with their respective limitations; a more multi-dimensional model is subsequently offered. The paper turns next to a discussion of diversity as an important sub-area within identity research that focusses specifically on the intersections of various types of identity with minority status. The author argues that in order to better understand both overlapping and intersecting identifies, attention needs to be given to three distinct, yet intertwining identification processes: identity development/formation, identity construction, and identity negotiation. Together with concomitant conceptual distinctions between self-identity, personal identity, and social identity, this will also help to bridge and integrate identity research across the social sciences. The paper concludes with a reflection regarding the importance of a multidimensional intersectional perspective for research, policy, programme, and service delivery initiatives. Ce document analytique donne un apercu concis des concepts de l'identite et de la diversite. Il debute avec une definition de l'identite et de l'identification, explique la difference entre les types d'identites et les identites precises et presente une importante distinction entre les identites qui se chevauchent et celles qui se croisent. Des approches communes a la conceptualisation de l'identite d'une personne sont ensuite presentees, ainsi que leurs limites respectives; un modele encore plus multidimensionnel est ensuite offert. Le document fait ensuite etat d'une discussion sur la diversite en tant que sous-domaine important dans la recherche de l'identite qui met l'accent sur les intersections des differents types d'identite en situation minoritaire. L'auteur soutient que pour mieux comprendre les identites qui se chevauchent et qui se croisent, il faut tourner notre attention vers trois processus d'identification distincts mais interrelies : developpement/formation de l'identite, la construction de l'identite, et la negociation de l'identite. De pair avec des distinctions conceptuelles concomitantes entre l'auto-identite, l'identite personnelle et l'identite sociale, cela aidera egalement a etablir des relations et a integrer la recherche sur l'identite dans toutes les sciences sociales. Le document conclut avec une reflexion au sujet de l'importance d'une perspective intersectionnelle multidimensionnelle a des fins de recherche, de politique, de programme et d'initiatives de prestation de services. INTRODUCTION The recognition of socially-salient similarities and differences forms the very corner-stone of social interaction. Social exchanges are founded upon an initial determination of whether the Self is like Other or whether it is different from Other in an important way. In this assessment a wide variety of identity criteria may be called upon to establish whether I am I and You are You, or whether I plus You make We. The resulting self-identifications are central to the individual's self-concept and overall sense of well being. Personal and social identifications in turn help to position individuals and groups within the larger societal framework. Identity processes thus constitute the very basis for self-definition as well as group formation and boundary maintenance, while the concomitant identifications themselves directly inform individuals' life experiences. Most identity research tends to focus primarily on single types of identities--gender, ethnic, linguistic, 'racial,' religious--that are then often considered rather independently of each other (Rummens 2000). …

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