Multiple Selves: Politicised Identities and Activists' Self-Concept

Abstract

This study examines the semantic content of identity among members of grassroots organisations to investigate how activists' self-concepts reflect politicised collective identity. Using an identity content approach, 128 Italian activists were asked to complete an associative recall task in which they described themselves and their group. Thematic analysis identified distinct identity components that were interpreted as ‘possible selves’, including an agent/competent self, a communal/warm self, a romanticised self, a radical self and an ought self. The results showed that a strong politicised collective identity was associated with agency/competence-related descriptors and a nuanced self-image, whereas lower identification was linked to communal/warm descriptors and idealisation. These findings suggest that identity strength is tied not only to group affiliation, but also to specific identity content—particularly efficacy-related traits. The results also highlight the need for further exploration of identity motives and the dynamic interplay between individual and collective identity in activist contexts.