Bridging Identities through Identity Change

As indicated by Deaux and Burke (this volume), sociology and psychology have shared a tradition of discourse allowing social psychologists to build upon each other's ideas. A conversation between social identity theory and identity theory was initiated fifteen years ago and addressed the similarities and differences between these theories. This type of communication between the fields can further define their theories through gaining a new perspective. Social psychologists may also advance identity research by working together on areas that need development in current theories. Deaux and Burke (this volume) have described three possible areas of focus. In this article, the authors focus on a fourth area which is identity change. One way to explore the conditions of identity change is to examine discrepancies or what occurs when one's identity, whether social, role, or biosocial individual, is challenged in a situation. The authors point out that, though collaborative theory and research may aid in bridging identity theories by gaining new perspectives, one can also achieve advancement through focusing on common areas in need of development in current theories of identity.