Identity • We need to have a sense of belonging and to be accepted by our peers, a sense of collective identity. Within our group an individual needs to be treated and to see himself as a means to an end and also as an end in his own right. Just as individuals satisfy needs of the group, so too the group must satisfy the needs of the individual. It is when the norms and institutions cease to satisfy the individuals identity needs that one feels alienated and is convinced that the institutions are imposed.
One also needs a sense of individual self. One has to know and accept who one is. The individual's identity consists of the totality of one's biological and affective needs, personality traits and personal interests, experiences, values, beliefs and goals and relationships with others.
Collective and individual identity are equally important. Just as lack of collective identity results in alienation, if the personal level of identity were all that mattered, egoism would take precedence over all else leading to both the breaking of mutual faith and the inability to undertake collective tasks.
One also needs a sense of individual self. One has to know and accept who one is. The individual's identity consists of the totality of one's biological and affective needs, personality traits and personal interests, experiences, values, beliefs and goals and relationships with others.
Collective and individual identity are equally important. Just as lack of collective identity results in alienation, if the personal level of identity were all that mattered, egoism would take precedence over all else leading to both the breaking of mutual faith and the inability to undertake collective tasks.