Sociology, Psychology and Identity

Paper Summary:

Sociology refers to the scientific study of society, while psychology refers to the study of individuals. However, psychology can be aptly described as the study of the mind. Conventionally, "identity" was a personal quality. Erik Erikson, personality psychologist, discovered the term 'identity crisis' in the framework of personal human development when he talked about the ontological suspicions facing the adolescent self. This term, however, got shifted to sociology by taking into account the personal characteristics of groups. This paper explores the concept of identity with regard to youth, human behavior and work place behaviors.

Paper Outline:
Social and Psychological Concept of Identity
Identity in Relation to Youth
Identity in Relation to Human Behavior
Identity in Relation to Human Behavior in the World of Work
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Every adolescent tries to find his identity. Adolescence is a psychological phase as well as a socio-cultural phenomenon. Three theorists focus on the identity of youth. Erikson, through the ego-psychological theory, deals with youth as a stage of identity crisis. Marcia relates identity with the obligations of later adolescence: work, occupation, political orientation and he differentiate diverse kinds of types or typologies of adolescents. Erich Fromm concentrates on the socialization of an individual from the viewpoint of his or her struggle for independence; according to him, each individual tries to generate his own identity."

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