The Relational Dimension of Identity—Theoretical and Empirical Exploration
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Identity has been recently introduced as a “legitimate” subject matter in economics. Whereas the social nature of identity is consensually acknowledged, its relational and moral dimensions are overlooked. We begin by clarifying the role of interpersonal relations in identity formation. Following Honneth (1995 Honneth, A. 1995. The Struggle forRrecognition—The Moral Grammar of Social Conflicts, Cambridge, MA: Polity Press. [Google Scholar]) we argue that the development of a positive identity, defined as a person's relation-to-self, depends on the processes of mutual recognition in which a person takes part throughout her/his life. We then frame Honneth's recognition processes in terms of the access to relational and moral goods. An empirical study is presented that illustrates the association between relational and moral goods and “relation-to-self.” Based on European Social Survey (ESS) data, we show that high levels of relational goods (e.g. experiencing intense and positive social relations) and moral goods (e.g. perceiving to be treated with justice and respect) are associated with a positive relation-to-self.
Source: Review of Social Economy
Authors: Helena Lopes, Teresa Calapez
Institution: Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2107513834