The concept of identity for complex political actors and its relevance for conflict studies

Abstract

This essay discusses different conceptions of identity and its relevance for conflict studies, in the analysis of complex political actors such as political organizations for example. The author presents two main theoretical traditions in the identity research, some important theories of identity existing in sociology and social psychology, as well as some derived theories concerning several relevant aspects. The essay examines the construction, function and sources of social and political identity from the viewpoint of sociology and social psychology, particularly in the aspect of arising and resolution of identity conflicts. The conflict studies research traditionally approaches the conflict already arisen; this essay however focuses on the mechanism and sources of the conflict as such, both at the micro- and macro levels. It concerns also conflicts caused by radical socio-political transformations and discusses some ways of their resolution in terms of identity change concept. It emphasizes further the symbolic nature of each social and political identity. The author proposes a concept of identity for complex political actors based on theoretical principles of sociology, social psychology, organizational theory, political culture studies and semiotics. Each identity is viewed as a control system with several components that lead to social and particularly political behaviour of complex political actors including behaviour in a conflict. Refs 23.