Identity Theory

Revised and Expanded, 2nd Edition

By: Peter J. Burke, Jan E. Stets

Narrated by: Rebecca Lam

The concept of identity has become widespread within the social and behavioral sciences, cutting across disciplines from psychiatry and psychology to political science and sociology. Introduced more than fifty years ago, identity theory is a social psychological theory that attempts to understand person's identities, their sources in interaction and society, their processes of operation, and their consequences for interaction and society from a sociological perspective. In this fully updated second edition of Identity Theory, Peter J. Burke and Jan E. Stets expand and refine their discussion of identity theory. Each chapter has been significantly revised and chapters have been added to address new theoretical developments and empirical research in the field. They cover identity characteristics, the processes and outcomes of identity verification, and the operation of identities to detail in particular the role of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes. In addition, they explore the multiple identities individuals hold from their multiple positions in society and organizations as well as the multiple identities activated by many people interacting in groups and organizations. Written in an accessible style, this revised edition of Identity Theory continues to make the full range of this powerful theory understandable to listeners at all levels.

©2023 Oxford University Press (P)2023 Tantor

If you want to understand how people work, listen.

If you're interested in sociology, psychology, philosophy, or simply want to understand a massive part about the human experience you need to read this. Burke and Stets' explanation of identity theory is challenging and it can be dense but it's possibly one of the most valuable learning experiences I've had. It reveals how one perceives themselves within the social structure with more than just philosophical speculation. I can say that this book has contributed to completely changing the way I see myself, others, and groups.

I suggest however that you look up the figures mentioned or buy the book to go along with this because the figured referenced are not included in the audiobook.

Identify Theory

The more I understand identity theory that better equipped I am to exegete Biblical text and assist others in their deconstruction and reconstruction process.