The goal of Identity, Formation, Agency, and Culture is to lay the basis of a theory with which to better understand the difficulties and complexities of identity formation. It provides an extensive understanding of identity formation as it relates to human striving (agency) and social organization (culture). James E. Cote and Charles G. Levine have compiled state-of-the-art psychological and sociological theory and research into a concise synthesis. This volume utilizes a vast, interdisciplinary literature in a reader-friendly style. Playing the role of narrators, the authors take readers through the most important theories and studies of self and identity, focusing on pragmatic issues of identity formation--those things that matter most in people's lives.

Identity, Formation, Agency, and Culture is intended for identity-related researchers in the behavioral and social sciences, as well as clinicians, counselors, and social workers dealing with identity-related disorders. It also serves as a main or supplemental text in advanced courses on identity, identity and human development, social development, moral development, personality, the sociology of identity, and the individual and society taught in departments of psychology, sociology, human development, and family studies.

About the Author
James E. Cote, Charles G. Levine

Reviews

"Cote and Levine have compiled state-of-the-art psychological and sociological theory and research into a concise synthesis. Comprehensive yet accessible, this volume utilizes a vast, interdisciplinary literature in a reader-friendly style...the authors take readers through the most important theories and studies of self and identity, focusing on pragmatic issues of identity formation--those things that matter most in people's lives."
-Family Therapy

"Enlightening and well-organized, deep, yet comprehensible, readers will find reading this book a pleasant and worthwhile journey."
-Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

"I think it makes fascinating and intriguing contributions to understanding how to tackle issues relating to self and identity at both the theoretical and applied level."
-Kathleen D. Vohs, Ph.D.
Case Western Reserve University

"This presentation of Erikson's theory and its overlap with symbolic interactionism should be mandatory reading for all students of identity theory and research-psychologists and sociologists alike...the theoretical integration it offers moves the study of identity beyond the place where it stands now."
-Gwendolyn T. Sorell, Ph.D.
Texas Tech University

"It is refreshing to see a piece of work that goes beyond the usual range of perspectives that are offered in the literature ...This book...fills a niche that is empty!...I have been looking for such a book for myself and my students for four or five years."
-Marilyn J. Montgomery
Florida International University

Book Information
ISBN 9780805837964
Author James E. Cote
Format Paperback
Page Count 268
Imprint Psychology Press
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 500g