Introduction
Identity development involves a complex construction of self, in which humans seek to develop unique views of themselves and their identities. The process continues throughout one’s lifetime, as humans continually face conflicts that must be resolved. Identity formation incorporates several theories and models that seek to explain these relationships and developmental modules.
The main concepts that emerge in identity formation include personality development, values, and self-concept. These represent some results people try to discover or build as they grapple with identity development. The significant aim of the paper is to apply the various human behavior theories to my life and other aspects.
Traditional Identity Theory
Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development provides insight into the impact of people’s social experiences throughout their lifespan. He explains the eight stages of development, exploring how the various social interactions people have, coupled with their relationships, play a crucial role in human growth and development (McLeod, 2023). His theory resonates with the epigenetic principle, which holds that every person grows in a sequence that unfolds over time within the context of the larger society (McLeod, 2023).
According to Erikson’s theory, I am in stage six: intimacy vs. isolation. The stage occurs between nineteen, considered young adulthood, and around forty years (Cherry, 2022). While I cannot account for having finished this stage, as I am still resolving the central conflict, as Erikson’s theory puts it, I can posit that I constantly struggle to maintain intimate relationships with others.
On most occasions, I find myself seeking stability in my relationships. I want to make new friends who are seeking closeness and, more so, love from these people. As a result, I find myself sometimes isolated and feeling depressed that I cannot get honest friends or people who can be there for me all the time. Aspects such as honesty become very rare with the people I consider friends or those I try to befriend. However, the stage is ongoing, and I still have time to explore and find ways to navigate this stage of intimacy and isolation.
The previous stage that I was in was identity vs. role confusion. According to Erikson’s theory, the stage occurs between the ages of 12 and 18 (Cherry, 2022). The adolescents in this case, who are teens, try to grapple with the conflict of identity vs. role confusion. They find themselves in a state of exploration of independence, which would enable them to develop a sense of self (Orenstein & Lewis, 2022). They tend to focus on learning about concepts related to their goals, beliefs, and values.
A successful route in this stage would mean that teens or adolescents develop the primary virtue of fidelity, thereby enhancing their social relationships (Ergün, 2020). The completion of this stage in my life is difficult to ascertain. The accurate insight I can draw from Erikson’s theory is that I tried to identify the values I held dear. In this stage, I wanted to know who I am and make memories that would express my objective and sense of self.
Alternative Identity Theory
Identity can be defined as the fundamental organization of principles that continuously develop throughout a person’s life. These entail a constitution of relationships, beliefs, experiences, and values that subject a person to peace with the search for self-identity. According to Gilligan’s theory, women follow a particular path in their quest for a sense of self to avoid being viewed as deficient (Josselson, 2022). The theory reflects on the interplay between moral, cognitive, and relational differences that occur apart from known environmental contributors, as well as the ability to be always self-aware.
Gilligan develops a hypothesis about the introspective discrepancies related to gender in their search for self-identity. Variations in the paths between males and females affect their personal lives, given the levels of self-awareness regarding concepts such as decision-making and moral judgment (Kane, 2023). Differences exist in the notions of behavior, systems of morality, and ideas between females and males. She argues that internal aspects of care, responsibility, and community shape women’s identity development.
Gilligan’s theory of women’s identity development resembles my life. There are many occasions when I feel alienated from the whole world. These periods occur like surges that draw me away from the environment where other people are, and I constantly feel separated.
Some exacerbating factors contributing to these feelings include increased societal pressures to adopt perspectives other people deem fit for my life (Torres & Garcia, 2019). Aspects such as being the best in academics, constantly practicing holy mannerisms, and not attempting to defy any rule, even if it’s harmful, add to the pressures. While Gilligan believes that women’s identity development often becomes governed by a sense of morality in the confines of judgments and logic, all I want to relate to is the feeling of connection.
The community also continues to shape my very existence and search for self-identity. I often find members of my neighborhood trying to offer advice and give me directions. Sometimes, these encounters can make me angry because they invade my life without being asked. However, there is the realization that they embody a specific moral code and values they want to impart to my life. In a way, they make me feel as if I belong, which contributes to the values I continue to gather.
The friends and people around me have continued to shape my identity. Gilligan hypothesizes that women derive some of their identities through the people encompassing them (Vinney, 2021). My ability to care for and fulfill most of the responsibilities as society dictates, such as acts of submission, has been influenced by my company. The societal context, hence, contributes widely to the development of my identity.
Social Work Code of Ethics
The NASW Code of Ethics serves as a moral compass that defines the significance of social work practitioners. One of the ethical principles of these codes of ethics is that ‘social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships’ (National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 2021). This code resonates with my attributes of fostering positive connections and making as many friends as possible. According to the NASW Code of Ethics (2021), the importance of human relationships enables social workers to be recognized as people who understand that the connections between people are a significant determinant for change. Social workers tend to embrace people as their partners, strengthening the bonds.
I chose the principle due to specific experiences that I had and continue to have. The ethical code is built on the value of human relationships. Survival in these environments requires constant collaboration and interaction with others. On various occasions, I find myself depressed, and some of the people who help me are not even my family. I might end up laughing and putting a smile on my face because of random acts from people around me at school, in the park, or elsewhere, not at home. These experiences of finding somebody I can rely on to help me navigate the challenging times align with the importance of maintaining human relationships, even with strangers. As a result, my circle has grown, and I call it a community that can be there during hard times and help us navigate the complexities of this world.
The other ethical principle relates to the value of competence. The concept refers to ‘Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise’ (National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 2021). The code underscores the need for continuous professional growth. In this case, the social workers continually improve their skills and knowledge in the field to apply them in their practice.
Continuously seeking greater knowledge makes one better equipped to deal with the various situations in a changing world. Navigating my learning experience continues to develop my knowledge base and support my social work profession. The competence aspect will provide me with a solid knowledge foundation, ensuring that whatever I practice is in line with the highest standards of the cadre.
Paradigm Thinking
A paradigm shift is the prospect of change in perceptions, thoughts, and values that constitute a vision of reality. Times have changed, and significant shifts within society have marked them. There have been profound transformations in societal attitudes towards the role of women. While they were seen as caregivers and expected to nurture children, they have now changed the narrative and challenged the whole system (Eva et al., 2020). Women have evolved to stand firm against the traditional expectations that confined women to specific duties.
There are many differences and advancements regarding the role of women in our society. In our current lifetime, women can engage in the same activities men do. The women are now taking part in educational programs and even pursuing subjects previously considered the domain of men, such as the sciences. The women drive cars, and some have two or more jobs, which was previously considered the domain of men.
Women have taken on CEO and other leadership roles, and others are entering the political arena due to the opportunities now available (Kane, 2023). The paradigm shift has significantly widened the scope of my thinking, leading me to believe I have greater potential to accomplish great things. I am always drawn away from stereotypes that still hold that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, since I see greater possibilities and exploration. The shift has brought increased fluidity in promoting equality and inclusivity.
Conclusion
A clear understanding of identity development, grounded in a diverse theoretical framework, enables exploration of one’s personal experiences. Integration of traditional and alternative theories provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of identity development. People should align with ethical principles while continually acknowledging the prospects of paradigm shifts in our society. Navigating the stages of life requires a holistic approach that prompts self-discovery and engagement with all parties.
References
Cherry, K. (2022). Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Very Well Mind.
Ergün, N. (2020). Identity development: Narrative identity and intergenerational narrative identity. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 12(4), 455–475.
Eva, N., De Cieri, H., Murphy, S. E., & Lowe, K. B. (2020). Leader development for adolescent girls: State of the field and a framework for moving forward. The Leadership Quarterly, 32(1).
Josselson, R. (2022). Developing a different voice: The life and work of Carol Gilligan. Journal of Personality.
Kane, L. (2023). Woman Up: Empowering Women Leadership in Higher Education. The Vermont Connection, 44(1).
Mcleod, S. (2023). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Simply Psychology; Simply Scholar.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (n.d.). NASW – National Association of Social Workers.
Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022). Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. PubMed; StatPearlsPublishing.
Vinney, C. (2021). The Carol Gilligan Theory and a Woman’s Sense of Self. Verywell Mind.