The name is absent

49

4.33(і) (a) Appropriation of identity - symmetry between objective
’ and subjective reality

In the case to be studied, that of Aboriginal identity, one
possibility is for the individual to locate himself within the
symbolic universe of the dominant group. In this case, if the
theorizing of the dominant group about Aborigines is negative
then socialization into mainstream society ~ that is symmetry
between objective and subjective reality -will lead to socialization
into a negative identity (See Erikson, p. 31 above).

4.33(i) (b) Asymmetry between objective and subjective reality -
alternative identity

When a group of individuals resist the identity offered by
mainstream society, the conceptual machinery exercised by mainstream
society may be deemed to have failed. Other possibilities arise.
For example, identitydiffusion may result, or an alternative
identity may be structured. In this case the location of the
Aboriginal self may be in an Aboriginal 'world* of meaning, not
in the world offered by mainstream society. In this instance, if
theorizing about this (Aboriginal) world by Aboriginesis positive,
then symmetry between objective and subjective reality will result
in an identity that is not only positive (ego-identity), but also
alternative to mainstream society. IVhere there is a conscious
structuring of alternative identity, 'objective reality' as defined
by (mainstream) society, is not appropriated.

Rather a new reality with new possibilities of identity is
constructed.

In summary, while Berger and Luckmann's explication of
identity as a problem in the sociology of knowledge is accepted
in general, there is a rejection of aspects of а-historicity of
their approach and of their overtones of determination. The

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