Relationships among various identities is fruitfully addressed by the incipient identity theory we are developing. This chapter builds selectively on Chapter 2, delineates the major concepts and definitions that are the focus of attention throughout the discussion, further grounds identity theory by applying it to gender, and attempts a middle-range theory relating homosexuality and occupation. With identity as the focus, we illustrate the fruitfulness and scope of identity theory by a dual movement of analysis: toward the self through a discussion of transsexuality, and toward status and institutions through an attempt at a middle-range theory.

Categories of identity

For purposes of this chapter, the foci of identity can be divided into personal, group, and social categories. Mol (1976, 1978) presented these foci in terms of an identity continuum. The concept of a continuum is misleading, however, for it connotes a hierarchical relationship among his “levels” of identity. A more practical conceptualization is to consider different identities as falling into categories, with the criterion for categorization being the source from which the identity is constructed. In addition, the categories of identities are interrelated, either because they are in conflict due to their differentiating aspects, or because they are congruous based on their integrative capacity. Not only does this simple schema provide a general view of how identities can be categorized, it is an analytical tool for showing how personal identities are expressed at other levels. It is possible to exemplify the relationships by choosing one or two forms of personal identity and showing the links between them and different group identities with respect to integrative and differentiating characteristics.