Future Research

AbstractIn this final chapter, the authors discuss areas for future research that are both theoretical and substantive. Theoretical developments include the integration of the structural and perceptual aspects of identity theory, understanding the different sources of identity discrepancies and how reflected, actual, and self-appraisals independently and combined influence behavior and control meanings so that perceptions match the identity standard, and including the micro, meso, and macro levels of social reality in our understanding of identities. Substantive advances include a better understanding of gender identities and racial/ethnic identities, as well as counternormative, non-normative, stigmatized identities, and identities that emerge during transition points.