Identity Meanings and Resources

AbstractThis chapter explains that identities are meanings, and individuals act to maintain these identity meanings in interaction. The analysis of meanings begins with a discussion of signs and symbols, which is an important distinction when understanding other issues that follow in the chapter such as how to measure meaning, and how to understand resources. The measurement of meaning is then reviewed, including using a semantic differential to measure people’s responses to how they see themselves. People control and maintain meanings by manipulating actual and potential resources. The distinction between actual and potential resources is discussed. Because identities maintain the patterned and coordinated flow of resources, known as the social structure, the reader sees how identities create and maintain the social structure. However, the connection between identities and social structure is a two-way street. Identities create social structure, but it also is true that social structure provides the situations and context in which identities operate.