Social Identity and Motivation Processes
Identity is a person’s sense of who she is. It is the lens through which an individual makes sense of experiences and positions herself in the social world.
Personal and social dimensions play an important role in shaping the individual's goal and motivation.
Personal dimensions =
traits & VALUES
Such as being Athletic, Smart, Loyal, Honest, Brave, Compassionate, etc.
SOCIAL DIMENSIONS = social roles or characteristics that make one recognizable
as a member of a group
Women, Men, Christian, Catholic, Student, American, etc.
Individuals tend to engage in activities that connect them to their social identities because doing so can support their sense of belonging and esteem and help them integrate into a social group. This integration often means taking on the particular knowledge, goals, and practices valued by that group.
The identity a person takes on at any moment is contingent on the circumstances
A positive identification with one’s racial or ethnic identity supports a sense of school belonging, as well as greater interest, engagement, and success in academic pursuits.