Identities in Everyday Life

Abstract

The research that provides the basis of this volume involves theoretical and empirical work on identities in everyday life. The work is divided into six areas, including psychological well-being; authenticity; morality; gender, racial, and sexuality issues; identities and groups; and identities over the life course. Among the many findings are that: (1) when people accumulate identities that are verified, they feel good about themselves; (2) individuals think carefully about what to include and exclude over social media to present an authentic view of themselves; (3) people can claim a high moral identity and still behave immorally by relying on strategies that disengage them from their immoral behavior; (4) having a prominent white identity may produce a preference for white spaces and networks; (5) those who engage in protests can formulate an activist identity by identifying with other participants; and (6) other individuals are very important in helping to shape our identities in adulthood.