Advances in Identity Theory

Abstract

Purpose

We review the major developments that have occurred in identity theory since 2014, when we last reviewed the theory in Advances in Group Processes.

Methodology/Approach

Our focus is on changes and developments in the theory itself rather than a review of the substantive findings of research using the theory.

Findings

During the past decade, there have been important conceptualizations to the identity process to help refine it, which we discuss. We also include a more precise way of measuring the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional responses to identity nonverification, which earlier were expressed in verbal terms rather than mathematical terms. We discuss advances in conceptualizing identity characteristics, such as identity prominence and salience, and we add identity dispersion to these conceptualizations. Over the past decade, there has been more integration of the perceptual and structural foci in identity theory, showing the unity of one theory. We can see this in how the identity–society relationship has been explicated in more detail, which we highlight. Identity theory continues to integrate with other theories, and we discuss how this integration has occurred most closely with exchange theory during the past decade. Finally, advances in substantive areas have been made such as new research on racial/ethnic identities and counter-normative and stigmatized identities, and we briefly review this work.

Originality/Value of Paper

We show the many ways identity theory has advanced in the past 10 years. We anticipate that developments in the next 10 years will be just as exciting.

Citation

Stets, J.E. and Burke, P.J. (2024), "Advances in Identity Theory", Thye, S.R., Kalkhoff, W. and Lawler, E.J. (Ed.) Advances In Group Processes, Volume 41 (Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 41), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0882-614520240000041001