Group Identity and Alienation: Giving The We Its Due

• NCJ Number: 191083
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 515-538
• Author(s): Barbara M. Newman; Philip R. Newman
• Date Published: October 2001
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article highlights the advantages to emphasizing group identity in early adolescence.

Abstract

There is currently an overemphasis on the process of individuation and the formation of individual identity as the central developmental direction in both early and later adolescence in research and clinical practice. The proposal is not to replace the construct of individual identity with group identity, but rather to bring renewed attention to the importance of the formation of group identity as a critical experience during early adolescence. Six testable propositions are offered about new directions for growth and new capacities that are likely to emerge during the period of early adolescence. Proposition One states that concerns about group identity have a greater focus on group membership than in earlier stages, and less preoccupation with individual identity than in the period ahead. Proposition Two shows evidence that a crisis of group identity versus alienation is associated with heightened concern about issues of group acceptance and rejection. Proposition Three states that during early adolescence, a new aspect of one’s self-concept includes social competence and an assessment of one’s ability to function as a member of a group. Proposition Four shows that group identity is not unidimensional. Adolescents may belong to several groups and may experience different degrees of comfort and identification with these groups. Proposition Five states that most adolescents will experience some conflict between group identity and alienation as a predictable part of the resolution of this crisis. Proposition Six states that the resolution of the crisis of group identity versus alienation will have long-term implications for adult life. There are four ways that emphasizing group identity over individual identity may contribute to enhanced psychosocial well being in early adolescence and beyond. There are opportunities to emphasize the importance of a sense of connectedness; appreciate the role that group identity plays in adolescents’ mental health; incorporate the study of groups into the high school curriculum; and conceptualize how adolescent experiences in groups contribute to group participation in adulthood. 81 references