Identity Theory by Peter J. Burke (PDF)

Description

The concept of identity has become widespread within the social and behavioral sciences in recent years, cutting across disciplines from psychiatry and psychology to political science and sociology. All individuals claim particular identities given their roles in society, groups they belong to, and characteristics that describe themselves. Introduced almost 30 years ago, identity theory is a social psychological theory that attempts to understand identities, their sources in interaction and society, their processes of operation, and their consequences for interaction and society from a sociological perspective. This book describes identity theory, its origins, the research that supports it, and its future direction. It covers the relation between identity theory and other related theories, as well as the nature and operation of identities. In addition, the book discusses the multiple identities individuals hold from their multiple positions in society and organizations as well as the multiple identities activated by many people interacting in groups and organizations. And, it covers the manner in which identities offer both stability and change to individuals. Written in an accessible style, Identity Theory makes, step by step, the full range of this powerful new theory understandable to readers at all levels.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This book was pretty slow reading. I only finished it because I wound up stuck in an airport for an extra couple hours. That said, the information contained within is interesting, and I’m glad I invested in finishing the book. The ratio of pages to ideas annoyed me; I expected it to convey more ideas than I got. I realize the authors have to give you the basics before they can jump into more interesting territory, so I don’t fault them, but I was still disappointed.The first several chapters seemed to be designed to be read as part of a class. There are a lot of comparisons of various researchers’ models of identity theory, which might be useful in an academic setting, but not so necessary for reading in bed. Because I wasn’t taking notes, I found it confusing to retain which person had developed which theory when referred to later in the text. That said, not remembering these details didn’t adversely affect my ability to understand what the text was trying to convey.The last maybe third of the book picked up somewhat and had less theory and more study-findings.The most interesting tidbit in this book is that when a person’s identity isn’t verified (that is, someone else indicates they see the subject differently than the subject sees itself), it’s equally uncomfortable for that person whether they’re seen as having greater positive traits or greater negative traits. For example, if a person thinks they’re a mediocre driver, it’s equally uncomfortable for them to be told they’re a great driver as it is for them to be told they’re a terrible driver. Obviously this is not true in all circumstances, but it’s interesting to know as a general rule.I ordered this specific book because a brief search around Amazon didn’t reveal any other books on this topic, so if it’s something you want to learn more about, it seems you’re going to read this one. That said, I’m grateful this book exists. It doesn’t have a lot of jargon, and it’s not so academic that a person without any background in sociology (such as myself) can read it and learn from it. Earlier I mentioned that it spends a lot of time on foundational theory. As much as getting through that part of the book annoyed me, that’s precisely why I was able to follow the later (and more interesting) part of the book.I don’t know that it’s worth your time to read this book. If you’re really curious on the topic, than this is the book for you evidently. But it’s not a light or fun read, you really have to have some determination to want to read it.

⭐If you are looking to study identity theory, this is the book you want in your bookshelves.Burke and Stets have a outstanding understanding of this complex framework and delivers detailed information.

⭐I think this is the best overview of Identity [control] Theory that exists. This book covers everything you need to know about the identity theory research program; including theoretical foundations, key propositions, and a refreshing amount of empirical support. For the lay reader interested in IT, I suggest looking for summaries of the theory in journal articles or social psychology textbook chapters. For those who have an academic interest in IT and want to be caught up with Identity Theory research without finding and reading a few dozen research articles, this is the place to go.

⭐Well written, well stuctured and accessible even by a non-native English speaker as I am. ‘To the point’ presentation, works perfectly as an introduction to all the previous theoretical schools that influenced the theory but also as an extensive -to the level needed- description of Identity theory and the ways to be practically explored.

⭐I am learning a lot.

⭐I am still reading this book but enjoy the efforts of Peter Burke and his colleagues. He cites some authors on identity that I had read but also introduced me to some new ones.

⭐It is an interesting book. Easy to read and the book has a good explanation about identity. It is the best I have founded about this subject.

⭐Great writers, great writing.

⭐This is a great book, quite complex but has great ideas and insight on multiple levels of identity, communication, images etc etc.

⭐The theory in this book is great but it is an incredibly hard read because it is not non-hyper-academic friendly. If you can persevere with in then there are many useful and interesting insights in to ‘identify theory’.

⭐Excellent.

⭐Good product

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