Group Identity

A Group Identity is a collective identity that unites group members through shared characteristics.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) establish Group Boundarys through member distinctions.
  • It can (typically) maintain Group Cohesion through shared values.
  • It can (typically) guide Collective Action through common purpose.
  • ...
  • It can (often) shape Member Behavior through group norms.
  • It can (often) influence Intergroup Relations through identity comparisons.
  • It can (often) affect Resource Distribution through group affiliation.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Social Group Identity to being an Organizational Group Identity to being a Cultural Group Identity, depending on its identity domain.
  • It can range from being a Formal Group Identity to being an Informal Group Identity, depending on its structure type.
  • It can range from being a Strong Group Identity to being a Weak Group Identity, depending on its identity salience.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Natural Group Identitys (to unite through inherent characteristics), such as:
    • Species Group Identitys (to connect biological members), such as:
      • Human Group Identity like sharing human traits.
      • Animal Group Identity like exhibiting species behaviors.
    • Family Group Identitys (to bond kinship members), such as:
      • Clan Identity like maintaining ancestral connections.
      • Lineage Identity like preserving family heritage.
  • Social Group Identitys (to connect through social bonds), such as:
    • Cultural Group Identitys (to share cultural heritage), such as:
      • Ethnic Identity like preserving traditional practices.
      • Religious Identity like following spiritual beliefs.
    • Professional Group Identitys (to unite through work), such as:
      • Organizational Identity like sharing company values.
      • Trade Identity like maintaining professional standards.
  • Purpose Group Identitys (to unite through shared goals), such as:
    • Movement Identitys (to pursue collective change), such as:
      • Activist Identity like sharing reform visions.
      • Political Identity like following ideological beliefs.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Individual Identity, which lacks collective aspects.
  • Random Collection, which lacks shared characteristics.
  • Temporary Gathering, which lacks persistent bonds.
  • Forced Association, which lacks voluntary identification.
  • Artificial Classification, which lacks organic unity.
• See: Social Identity, Collective Behavior, Group Formation, Group Dynamics, Identity Development, Social Cohesion, Cultural Identity, Organizational Behavior, Group Psychology, Social Category, Group Norm, Group Solidarity, Team Identity, Community Identity.

---