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Identity theory and social identity theory are two remarkably similar perspectives on the dynamic mediation of the socially constructed self between individual behavior and social structure. Yet there is almost no systematic communication between these two perspectivies; they occupy parallel but separate universes. This article describes both theories, summarizes their similarities, critically discusses their differences, and outlines some research directions. Against a background of metatheoretical similarity, we find marked differences in terms of 1) level of analysis, 2) the role of intergroup behavior, 3) the relationship between roles and groups, and 4) salience of social context and identity. Differences can be traced largely to the microsociological roots of identity theory and the psychological roots of social identity theory. Identity theory may be more effective in dealing with chronic identities and with interpersonal social interaction, while social identity theory may be more useful in exploring intergroup dimensions and in specifying the sociocognitive generative details of identity dynamics.
Identity theory (e.g., Burke 1980; McCall and Simmons 1978; Stryker 1968; R.H. Turner 1978) and social identity theory (e.g., Hogg and Abrams 1988; Tajfel and Turner 1979; J.C. Turner 1982, 1985; J.C. Turner et al. 1987) are two perspectives on the social basis of the self-concept and on the nature of normative behavior. These two perspectives have many similarities. Both address the social nature of self as constituted by society, and eschew perspectives that treat self as independent of and prior to society. Both regard the self as differentiated into multiple identities that reside in circumscribed practices (e.g., norms, roles), and they use similar words and a similar language-but often with quite different meanings (e.g., identity, identity salience, commitment).
Remarkably, the two theories occupy parallel but separate universes, with virtually no cross-referencing. The coexistence of such apparently similar explanatory frameworks is problematic for social science, and to our knowledge no published attempt has been made to systematically compare them. The aim of this article is to compare identity theory with social identity theory in order to highlight their similarities and differences, and to suggest some critical observations that may indicate possible directions for future research. We hope to encourage dialogue between proponents of the two theories that may pave the way for comparative studies and subsequent distinctions between...