The name is absent

32

Erikson points out that individuals may be socialized

into a negative identity.

In this case, there ге symmetry between objective and
subjective reality. Socialization has taken place, but it is
socialization into a negative identity.

The concept of negative identity has particular implications

for the study of Aboriginal identity.

Negative identity is defined by Erikson as

...an identity perversely based on all those
identifications and roles which, at critical
stages of development, had been presented to
the individual as most undesirable and dangerous
and yet also as most real (Erikson, 1959:131).

3.23 Identity-diffusion

Erikson points out that individuals may be so confused by
the competing ’worlds’ of meaning that they are unable to
establish a stable identity. They are unable to locate themselves
satisfactorily within any one world of meaning.

Identity diffusion is, according to Erikson (1956:77),

...a syndrome of disturbances in young people who
cannot make use of the institutionalized moratorium
provided in their society - they are unable to
establish an identity.

Erikson gives the following schema showing the characteristics
of ego-identity and identity-diffusion.

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