Symbolic Interactionist Reflections on Erikson, Identity, and Postmodernism

Abstract

Erikson theorized about identities as both typified epigenetic outcomes and adaptations to cultural-historical circumstances. Neo-Eriksonians have emphasized the former, with a more narrow focus on the identity struggles of adolescents. Postmodern theorists have strongly emphasized the latter. Reflecting a postmodern perspective, Rattansi and Phoenix (1997) emphasized the ephemeral and manipulated aspects of contemporary identity dynamics that diminish self and weaken core self-understandings. We argue for a symbolic interactionist perspective that incorporates both perspectives on identity within a theoretical scope that posits selves as embodied agents struggling for meaningful identities by adapting to their social and physical environments and sometimes working to change these environments through individual and collective action.