The name is absent

29

Berger supposes that there is a more or less satisfactory
socialization of individuals. For Berger

...identities are internalized. They are not
only taken for granted as constituents of an
objective reality out there but as inevitable
structures of the individual’s own consciousness.
The objective reality, as defined by society is
subjectively appropriated. In other words
socialization brings about symmetry between
objective and subjective reality, objective
and subjective identity. He knows who he
is, he feels accordingly. He can conduct
himself ’spontaneously’ because the firmly
internalized cognitive and emotive structure
makes it unnecessary or even impossible for
him to reflect upon alternative possibilities
of conduct (Berger 1971:96).

This supposition appears to be incomplete. IVhere there is
a cultural disintegration, there may also be a disintegration of
identity.

Erikson’s writings (1946, 1956, 1959, 1966, 1971, 1977), from the
field of psychology, provide a further analysis of typologies of
identity. Erikson supports the emphasis coming from the discipline
of sociology on the social construction of identity.

However his analysis of typologies of identitv permits a
clearer understanding of the particular identities offered to
Aboriginal people than does Berger’s limited proposition that
socialization brings about symmetry between objective and subjective
reality, objective and subjective identity.

Erikson gives the following typologies of identity:

Ego-identity

Negative identity

Identity*diffusion

<<   60   61   62   63   64   65   66   >>

More intriguing information