When history constrains identity: Expressing the self to others against the backdrop of a problematic past

TY - JOUR

T1 - When history constrains identity

T2 - Expressing the self to others against the backdrop of a problematic past

AU - Morton, Thomas A.

AU - Sonnenberg, Stefanie J.

PY - 2011/3/1

Y1 - 2011/3/1

N2 - Negative histories threaten collective identity. Much research has focussed on how group members strategically defend against such threats. However, within certain groups such defence is difficult-because the group's past actions were unambiguously negative and because these were public and continue to frame relations with outgroups. We explored the consequences of this form of identity constraint on the individual's experience of the self. Two studies varied the salience of the past as German participants expressed their national identity to either an ingroup (German) or outgroup (English) audience. In both studies expressing German identity to an outgroup audience when the past was salient resulted in a more fragmented sense of self and reduced self-esteem. This effect was mediated through a perceived inability to enact the self. Results are discussed with respect to the power of context to constrain identity expression, and the consequences of this for the self.

AB - Negative histories threaten collective identity. Much research has focussed on how group members strategically defend against such threats. However, within certain groups such defence is difficult-because the group's past actions were unambiguously negative and because these were public and continue to frame relations with outgroups. We explored the consequences of this form of identity constraint on the individual's experience of the self. Two studies varied the salience of the past as German participants expressed their national identity to either an ingroup (German) or outgroup (English) audience. In both studies expressing German identity to an outgroup audience when the past was salient resulted in a more fragmented sense of self and reduced self-esteem. This effect was mediated through a perceived inability to enact the self. Results are discussed with respect to the power of context to constrain identity expression, and the consequences of this for the self.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79951828226&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/ejsp.770

DO - 10.1002/ejsp.770

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:79951828226

SN - 0046-2772

VL - 41

SP - 232

EP - 240

JO - European Journal of Social Psychology

JF - European Journal of Social Psychology

IS - 2

ER -