Review Essay: Identity and Security

In: Journal of peace research, Band 29, Heft 2, S. 221-226

Abstract

A review essay on three books by: William Bloom, Personal Identity, National Identity and International Relations (Cambridge: Cambridge U Press, 1990); Michael A. Hogg & Dominic Abrams, Social Identifications. A Social Psychology of Intergroup Relations and Group Processes (London: Routledge, 1988); & Anne Norton, Reflections on Political Identity (Baltimore, Md: Johns Hopkins U Press, 1988 [see listings in IRPS No. 65]). Focus is on the concept of identity formation as it relates to peace, war, & nationalism. It is contended that social groups need to establish a positively valued distinctiveness from other groups in order to provide members with a positive identity, & that this process contributes to the health of both the individual & society. These three books offer the student of identity formation a possible starting point for empirical, culture-oriented research. 8 References. Adapted from the source document.