Identity fusion is a type of identity that relates to other types of identities, to better understand we must think that we all have at least two identities: one personal identity and one or more social identities. Our personal identity is directly related to our personality: we can be more outgoing, more affectionate, less neurotic, etc.
Finally, our personal identity will be formed by different characteristics that define us, on the other hand, the social identities correspond to the groups to which we belong, for example, family, country, religion, ethnicity, sports equipment, etc. standards, values and roles.
- How do we behave? Given the personality characteristics or standards of our group.
- It is understood that this will depend on which of the identities is active.
- Usually our personal identity.
- So we behave according to our personality.
- However.
- Sometimes the group is most important.
- And we will act on the role we have in the group and its standards.
- For example.
- When our group feels threatened.
The relationship between personal and social identity, which we have already explained, raises some problems:
The relationship between the two identity types, as demonstrated, has boundaries that cannot be explained without appealing to the other identity, is the fusion of identity, which is defined as a visceral sense of unity with a group. identity, the union with the group is so strong that the boundaries between personal and social identity become very permeable What does that mean?Which, while active as one of the identities, the former can affect the latter, for example, by questioning our personality, will lead people with a fused identity to defend their group.
This new relationship between the two identities leads to the formation of a strong sense of connection with the group, which in turn fuels the motivation of people with the merged identity to do for the group what they would do for themselves. Personal relationships with group members are also strengthened.
There are four main features or principles of identity fusion
In short, the relationship between personal and social identity is usually exclusive, one or the other remains active, however, in some people these identities merge and reverberate, so they do more for the group, so the behaviors will depend to a large extent on whether or not we merge our identity.