Modelling Identity Types – the Case of Donald Trump

Stets and Burke (2000) are also interested in relating identity theory to social identity theory. They recognise that the two theories have a divide that ensures their disconnection from each other. That the two exist independently is yet a further illustration of fragmentation in the field. Stets and Burke’s interests lies in seeking the possibility of a synergy enabling some form of integration to arise. They explain the three main differences between identity theory and social identity theory: (1) while identity theory involves roles, social identity theory has categories or groups ; (2) in identity theory one refers to the activation of identities, while in social identity theory one refers to salience; (3) the core processes of each theory can be identified when an identity is activated, and the cognitive processes that result involve self-esteem and self-efficacy in identity theory, and depersonalisation and self-verification in social identity theory.