Communication Theory of Identity

Summary

Professor Rachel Khan's lecture delves into the concept of community and identity, highlighting how communication shapes both personal and group identities. The lecture explores identity from psychological, sociological, and communicative perspectives, emphasizing how self-image is constructed and modified through interactions with others. Michael Hecht's theory of identity communication is discussed, introducing four layers of identity: personal, enacted, relational, and communal. The lecture also touches on critiques of Hecht's theory, expanding on cultural, gender, and national identities. Overall, it underscores the dynamic, fluid nature of identity and its role in society, particularly in media and journalism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Communication is essential to shaping our identity as it allows us to engage with the world and understand ourselves and others.
• 😀 Identity in psychology is defined as the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, and expressions that make a person unique.
• 😀 According to Michael Hecht's communication theory of identity, individuals have multiple, shifting identities depending on their social interactions.
• 😀 Identity is constructed through communication and is influenced by how we present ourselves to others and how they perceive us.
• 😀 The four layers of identity proposed by Hecht are: personal, active, relational, and communal.
• 😀 The personal layer of identity focuses on self-concept and how we perceive ourselves (e.g., 'I am smart' or 'I am sporty').
• 😀 The active layer explores how we project our identity through communication, including verbal and non-verbal cues like dress and body language.
• 😀 The relational layer emphasizes how our identity is shaped by interactions in relationships, such as with family, friends, and peers.
• 😀 The communal layer involves group memberships that transcend the individual and contribute to shared identities within cultural or social groups.
• 😀 Other identity dimensions, such as gender, age, class, and national identity, also play crucial roles in shaping how we define ourselves and relate to others.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in today's class?

The main topic discussed in today's class is 'community and identity,' focusing on how communication helps shape our personal and collective identities.

How does Aristotle's idea of communication relate to identity?

Aristotle's idea that we engage with the world through communication relates to identity as communication helps us understand ourselves and others, shaping our identities based on sensory experiences and interactions.

What is the difference between identity in psychology and sociology?

In psychology, identity is defined by personal qualities, beliefs, and expressions that make a person unique. In sociology, identity is based on social group membership and how individuals relate to these groups.

What does Michael Hecht's communication theory of identity propose?

Michael Hecht's communication theory of identity proposes that individuals have multiple, shifting identities, which are shaped by how they communicate with others and how others communicate with them. Identity is a social phenomenon rather than a psychological one.

What are the four layers of identity according to Hecht's theory?

Hecht's theory outlines four layers of identity: 1) Identity formation and management, 2) Identity internalization through social interactions, 3) Reciprocal relationship between communication and identity, and 4) Communication helps build, sustain, and modify identity.

How does the personal layer of identity function?

The personal layer of identity is the self-concept or self-image, built on self-cognition, feelings of self-esteem, and how individuals define themselves. This identity is communicated through interactions with others, based on how we perceive ourselves.

What role does active identity play in how we communicate?

Active identity refers to how we project our identity to others, especially through visual and non-verbal cues such as dress, hairstyle, and behavior. It is essential that our projected identity aligns with our internal self-image to maintain consistency.

What is relational identity, and how is it developed?

Relational identity is formed through social interactions and relationships, such as being a sibling, friend, or colleague. It highlights how our identity is shaped by the positions we hold in relationships and how we communicate within them.

How does group membership influence communal identity?

Group membership influences communal identity by creating shared characteristics, histories, and collective memories. These identities can sometimes form stereotypes but often represent cultural codes that define individuals within a group, such as in the case of journalists or BTS fans.

Why is national identity significant, and how can it differ depending on location?

National identity is significant because it connects individuals to their country and culture. It becomes more apparent when someone is outside their home country, as they feel the need to assert their national identity, like the professor's experience in the U.S.