Handling Identity: Self v Group
Our identity affects how we conduct our life and depictions of situations affect and are affected by our identity. Groups possess their own identity and the reigning paradigm impacts them as well as individual members. The domination v evolution duality once again reveals a systematic pattern of differences.
Domination favours Group Direction
The 3 paradigms along the domination diagonal give group identity a major say in personal identity.
In the UL quadrant, the group unequivocally dominates identity-expression.
In the , this means that the leadership of the group specifies what is required and acceptable and controls expressions of identity. This control can cover forms of dress, social communication, sexual behaviours, religious expression, and much more. There must be no divergence, and so assertive individuals and cultural minorities are liable to exclusion, persecution or even annihilation.
The makes membership of one side or the other the primary expression of personal identity. While, outside that area of conflict there can be freedom of expression, more and more of a person's life tends to be drawn into the sphere of group interest. Almost any activity or topic can be infused with a partisan flavour, with group members expected to conform accordingly.
In the LR quadrant, the concerns and goals of the group are significant and effects on identity become more pragmatic
The seeks to serve and support the group and its identity in practical ways, leading to member subservience. At the upper end of the ellipse where social consensus and support are essential for progress, individuals seek recognition by the group. At the lower end of the ellipse, a position may be adopted that could challenge the group's identity.
Evolution favours Personal Direction
The 4 paradigms along the evolution diagonal regard personal identity and personal choice as the foundation for group development and functioning.
In the LL quadrant, choices appear to be the critical factor.
The regards identity as primarily based on potentially idiosyncratic personal choices and interests. So any group may be joined or left according to the person's preferences. Here, identity determines choices and choices feedback to determine identity.
The regards the formation of an enduring group and acceptance of its order as dependent on the interests and choices of its members. Organisations get formed and develop an identity in this way. A variety of reasons may lead a person to remain in the group despite finding it oppressive. Because contributions to effective functioning depend on personal willingness, "work-to-rule" behaviour can bring an organization to a standstill.
In the UR quadrant, the person and the group are much more closely intertwined, so that each evolves with the other.
The views situations as requiring individuals to interact and communicate in order to enable group development and generate a distinctive culture and identity. Opportunities for each to express themselves and discover how others view them are plentiful. Each finds they necessarily and willingly adapt themselves so as to foster group progress. As a result, interactions within the group evolve personal identity.
The regards selves, groups and environments as all inter-connected and co-evolving. Each person is regarded as a whole universe, and the meaning inherent in situations is that each person's involvement and unique contribution are intrinsic and essential to the group identity.
Turn now to the crucial question of how paradigm choice is enabled and sponsored.
- Paradigms operate under different auspices.
Originally posted: 30-Jun-2024.