M5d1 Identity Change Upon Successful Completion Of This Acti

M5d1 Identity Changeupon Successful Completion Of This Activity Stud

Chapters 23-25 detail the processes by which identity change takes place for two different kinds of stigmatized groups. As you read though these chapters, consider the ways in which your own identity has changed and developed throughout your life; at one point you were learning to “become” a kindergartener, while later you learned to become an athlete, musician, writer, gamer, dancer, etc.

After reading Chapters 23-25, describe the process by which your identity changed at some point in your life (this does not have to be an example of deviance). Use the models provided in Adler & Adler to discuss the various stages of your identity formation as you changed from “being” one identity to another. As you complete this exercise and read and respond to your classmates’ examples, try to identify as many of the “seven stages of [an identity] career” as you can. Also, see if you observe any ways in which your classmates are “using techniques of neutralization” as they discuss their various identity shifts. Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings in the instructions with proper APA style formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of identity change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses various social, psychological, and cultural factors. Drawing upon the chapters 23-25 and the models provided in Adler & Adler, I reflect on my own transitions from one identity to another, highlighting the stages of identity formation, the techniques of neutralization, and the influence of societal perceptions.

My most significant identity change occurred during my transition from a passive student to an active participant in academic and extracurricular activities. Initially, I saw myself merely as an attendee in classrooms, passively absorbing information without much engagement. However, through various social interactions and internal motivations, I gradually adopted a more active role, participating in clubs and leadership roles. According to Adler & Adler's model, this transition involved several stages, including the "initial identity" as a passive learner, moving through stages of "identity negotiation," and culminating in "identity commitment" as an engaged and proactive student.

The seven stages of an identity career, as described by Adler & Adler, include the initial identity, identity exploration, identity negotiation, identity commitment, identity stabilization, identity achievement, and identity maintenance. In my case, I experienced these stages sequentially, especially emphasizing exploration and negotiation as I tried out different roles, and later, commitment and stabilization as I consolidated my new identity. For instance, my involvement in leadership positions served as validation of my new identity and reinforced my commitment to an active role.

In analyzing my classmates’ discussions, I observed that many utilize techniques of neutralization to justify or rationalize their identity shifts. For example, some employ denial of responsibility by attributing their change to external pressures or circumstances, while others use appealing to higher loyalties, emphasizing the importance of their new identity within a specific social group. These techniques help individuals reconcile their past identities with their current self-conceptions, often easing the psychological transition involved in identity change.

Understanding the processes by which identities evolve, especially within stigmatized groups, underscores the importance of social context and personal agency. Recognizing these stages and techniques not only enhances self-awareness but also fosters empathy towards others undergoing similar transformations. Reflecting on my own experience through the lens of Adler & Adler's models demonstrates that identity change is a dynamic process involving multiple stages, techniques, and social influences, shaping who we are today.

References

  • Adler, P. A., & Adler, P. (2014). The Iconography of Identity: Sociological Perspectives. Routledge.
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  • Lerner, M. J. (1980). The Belief in a Just World: A Fundamental Dilemma of Human Existence. Springer.
  • Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. University of Chicago Press.
  • Schlenker, B. R. (1985). Identity and self-presentation: Social psychological perspectives. In T. R. Tyler (Ed.), Psychological Perspectives on Social Psychology (pp. 221-250).
  • Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. Houghton Mifflin.
  • Turner, J. C. (1982). Cognitive Aspects of Social Identity. In H. Tajfel (Ed.), Social Identity and Intergroup Relations (pp. 15-46). Cambridge University Press.
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  • Maruna, S. (2001). Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives. American Psychological Association.
  • McAdams, D. P. (2001). The psychology of life stories. Review of General Psychology, 5(2), 100-122.