Collective Identity

A Collective Identity is a shared identity that unifies multiple individuals through common characteristics.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) create Group Solidarity through shared beliefs.
  • It can (typically) guide Collective Action through common purpose.
  • It can (typically) maintain Social Bonds through mutual recognition.
  • ...
  • It can (often) shape Individual Behavior through group norms.
  • It can (often) influence Social Relations through identity distinctions.
  • It can (often) drive Collective Movements through shared grievances.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Group Identity to being a Category Identity to being a Movement Identity, depending on its identity type.
  • It can range from being an Emergent Identity to being an Imposed Identity, depending on its identity origin.
  • It can range from being a Stable Identity to being a Dynamic Identity, depending on its identity persistence.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Social Collective Identitys (to unite through social characteristics), such as:
    • Cultural Identitys (to share cultural heritage), such as:
      • Ethnic Identity like preserving cultural traditions.
      • National Identity like sharing country allegiance.
    • Religious Identitys (to share belief systems), such as:
      • Faith Community Identity like following spiritual practices.
      • Doctrinal Identity like maintaining religious teachings.
  • Purpose Collective Identitys (to unite through shared goals), such as:
    • Movement Identitys (to pursue collective change), such as:
      • Political Movement Identity like sharing ideological visions.
      • Social Change Identity like pursuing reform goals.
    • Professional Identitys (to unite through work purpose), such as:
      • Industry Identity like maintaining field standards.
      • Union Identity like protecting worker interests.
  • Categorical Identitys (to unite through shared attributes), such as:
    • Demographic Identitys (to connect through common traits), such as:
      • Generation Identity like sharing age experiences.
      • Gender Identity like experiencing gender commonality.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Personal Identity, which reflects individual uniqueness.
  • Isolated Identity, which lacks collective connections.
  • Private Identity, which exists outside shared experiences.
  • Autonomous Identity, which emphasizes individual independence.
• See: Social Identity, Group Identity, Identity Formation, Collective Action, Social Movement, Cultural Studies, Group Psychology, Social Cohesion, Identity Politics, Shared Values, Common Purpose, Social Solidarity.

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