Identity Work Essay

Identity Work

Constructionist theorists have transcended the static views of identity and reflected the comprehensiveness of identity discourse. The terms such as “identity construction” and “identity work” have become presented to the identity discourse. Keupp claims that identity construction is performed in daily identity work; identity is not something that we have since birth or something that we could attain once and for all. The social, intercultural, and material resources are required in order to perform identity work with self-determination and self-efficacy in the increasingly complex society (Keupp, 2009, p. 65).

The products of identity work are identity parts (Teilidentitäten), the feeling of identity (Identitätsgefühl), and the central biographical narratives

identity as a mother, identity as a worker, identity as a student, etc.). All the currently valid cognitive, social, emotional, and product‐oriented norms are included in these identity parts (Keupp et al., 1999). The idea let us discuss a plurality in identity, which is essential in multifaceted world.

Other important aspect of Keupp’s theory are the central biographical narratives (Kernnarrationen). The central biographical narratives is an important point in the process of identity work , because the concept of central biographical narratives focus on the process of narration, and it stresses the fact that identity is a procedural phenomenon.

Sense of identity (Identitätsgefühl) arises through the combination of biographical narratives and self-evaluations. The important factors for a sense of identity are authenticity and coherence. Authenticity refers to individuals’ perception of how their actions fit their own identity in a given context. Coherence is the subjective evaluation of how well individuals can meet life’s challenges (Keupp et al., 1999).

Identity