The name is absent

CHAPTER XVI
*
TYPOLOGIES OF IDENTITY : THE AFFIRMATION OF THE

PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL OF THE STRELLEY MOB

From the writings of Erikson and de Levita typologies of identity

were shown to include ego-identity, negative identity and identity-

diffusion. The subjective correlates of the typologies of identity
2

were also detailed .

The identities offered at Strelley will now be discussed using
Erikson's and de Levita's framework,

16.11   Ego identity

Strength and coherence of identity, are dependent, according
*

to de Levita, (1965:58) on certain characteristics, (i) functional
constancy, (ii) trust, (iii) autonomy.

(i) Functional constancy
-■ ɪ

Functional constancy is defined as:

... standing in relation always to the same world,
the feeling of occupying a place of one's own in
the community (de Levita, 1965:58).
4

This description is a particularly apt one of the 'world* of
Strelley within which the individual is socialized into an Aboriginal
identity. The ideology of the group is strongly articulated. In
this it differs from mainstream society where there is not one
ʒ
clearly identifiable system of values . In a society, such as that
of Strelley, which is regulated according to the Law, its values

ɪsee p.28ff.above.

²See p. ʒʒ above.

³For example, in the white 'world', opposing values are held
strongly about abortion, the death penalty, genetic engineering,
mining nuclear substances, nuclear warfare, the nuclear family, etc.

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