Communication Theory of Identity Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does identity primarily revolve around?

Internal psychological factors

Communication and relationships (correct)

Economic status and wealth

Cultural heritage exclusively

Which frame of identity refers to self-cognitions and personal sense of being?

Communal frame

Enacted frame

Relational frame

Personal frame (correct)

How is identity described in the content?

As a fluid and shifting concept (correct)

As a purely individual process

As a biological inheritance

As a fixed and stable characteristic

Which frame highlights the performance and outward expressions of identity?

Enacted frame Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by viewing identity as a social process?

It is constructed through interaction and communication Signup and view all the answers

In which frame is identity influenced by expectations and norms within relationships?

Relational frame Signup and view all the answers

What is the communal frame associated with?

Shared versions of personhood for a collective identity Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about self-concept and others' conceptions?

They can vary significantly Signup and view all the answers

What does Sincerity in performance imply about the performer?

They believe their act is genuine and real. Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Identity Theory, identity is influenced by what?

Internalized societal norms and practices. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of a 'mask' relate to identity according to Goffman?

It illustrates the roles individuals play in various contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between Sincerity and Cynicism in performance?

Sincerity implies belief in the act, while Cynicism indicates awareness of its illusion. Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'collective identities' play in shaping personal identity?

They inform how we see ourselves through group memberships. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Front' refer to in the context of performance?

The expressiveness and behaviors used to create an impression. Signup and view all the answers

What does Positioning Theory emphasize in terms of communication?

The interpersonal roles in conversation. Signup and view all the answers

How do societal norms impact individual identity according to the provided content?

They become internalized through group memberships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Positioning Theory?

Dynamic and discursive processes of identity construction Signup and view all the answers

How do social representations influence identity?

By offering a variety of positions that affect self-understanding Signup and view all the answers

What do rights and duties contribute to in the context of identity?

Negotiating how identity positions are established in social contexts Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of subject position refer to?

How individuals are perceived within social discourses Signup and view all the answers

What role does moral order play in social representations?

It shapes normative aspects that influence gender roles and identities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes identity according to the content?

A compilation of social representations and relational contexts Signup and view all the answers

How are self and other positioning related to identity construction?

They indicate the relational dynamics in identity development Signup and view all the answers

In what way is identity considered dynamic according to the content?

It develops through interactions and social discourse Signup and view all the answers

What does positioning involve according to the discussed theories?

An interactional process that involves both self-positioning and positioning others. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of moral orders relate to positioning theory?

Each position comes with associated rights and duties governing interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What does the positioning diamond model emphasize?

The variability of conversation dynamics where identities can shift. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'doing identities' in talk?

The practice of engaging in dialogue that reflects identity positioning. Signup and view all the answers

Why is recognition or misrecognition significant in identity construction?

It affects how individuals are perceived in terms of knowledge and legitimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of identity multiplicity mentioned in the content?

Stereotyping should be avoided to better understand people. Signup and view all the answers

What theory emphasizes the dynamic interaction in identity construction?

Positioning Theory. Signup and view all the answers

How are identities perceived in relation to others according to the content?

They are constructed through relational dynamics with others. Signup and view all the answers

What type of characteristics are considered fixed in social performances?

Racial characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of personal front can change from one moment to another?

Facial expression Signup and view all the answers

In Moscovici’s Social Representation Theory, which element is NOT part of the triangular relationship?

The community Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the 'Social Front' in performances?

General information abstract to specific individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does Duveen's concept of asymmetric relationships often imply?

One-sided power dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which two components are part of social identities as mentioned in the content?

Meanings related to an object Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'manner' refer to in the context of personal performance?

Behavioral cues indicating expected roles Signup and view all the answers

In understanding the dynamics of identity formation, which type of relation emphasizes cooperation?

Symmetric relation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication Theory of Identity (CTI)

Developed by Michael Hecht in the 1980s emphasizing human social nature.
Identity is shaped through communication, relationships, and interactions; it evolves continually.

Understanding Identity

Identity represents one's sense of self developed through social interactions.
It is fluid and multifaceted, not fixed or singular; influenced by others' perceptions.
Key frames of identity include personal, enacted, relational, and communal.

Four Loci or Frames of Identity

Personal frame: Involves self-cognition and self-identification based on individual characteristics.
Enacted frame: Focuses on performance and how an individual expresses themselves in relationships.
Relational frame: Examines identity's dynamics within relationships with others.
Communal frame: Concerns collective identity and shared communal images of selfhood.

Extremes of Performance

Sincerity: Performer believes in the authenticity of their role.
Cynicism: Performer is aware the performance is an illusion but continues for manipulation.

Collective Identities

Based on Social Identity Theory; identity involves social categorization, including ethnic, national, and religious identities.
Group membership internalizes societal norms and contributes to how individuals perceive themselves.
CTI considers identity as a shared group characteristic, transcending individual experiences.

Theoretical Concepts

The mask represents roles individuals adopt; the front indicates the expressive tools used for performances.
Positioning Theory: Examines the power dynamics in social positioning, including rights and duties associated with identity roles.

Moscovici’s Theory: Suggests a triangular relationship between Ego, representation, and another subject, demonstrating interdependence in identity formation.
Social representations offer frameworks for individuals to define themselves and their interactions.

Identity Dynamics

Identity is contextual, relational, and not static, shaped by social interactions and language.
Positioning involves negotiating identity within social contexts, emphasizing how individuals view themselves and how they are perceived by others.

Recognition and Moral Orders

Normative aspects of social representations influence gender roles and identities through rights and duties.
Recognition and misrecognition affect how individuals establish their legitimacy within a social context.

Conclusion

Identity is multiple, interconnected, and contextually influenced; recognition of this complexity leads to a more profound understanding of individual experiences.
Caution against stereotypes and oversimplification of identities, acknowledging each person’s unique blend of multiple identities.

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Description

This quiz explores the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) developed by Michael Hecht, focusing on how identity evolves through social communication and interactions. Participants will learn about the four frames of identity—personal, enacted, relational, and communal—and the dynamics of performance within these contexts.