"Den Andre" och skapandet av en identitet En teoretisk studie av begreppsliggandet av "den Andre" och dess påverkan på identitetskonstruktioner
IdentitetDen AndreLikhetSkillnadEtniskReligiösIndividGruppPolitical and administrative sciencesStatsvetenskapFörvaltningskunskapLaw and Political Science
The aim of this theoretical study is to explain how the notion of the Other and Otherness affect individuals possibilities to form multiple, personal identities. This is done by the use of the theory of the Other and the construction of identities. In my analysis I will be using the power perspective presented by Lukes. The purpose of my study is also to investigate whether a focus on similarity over difference between groups can change the situation for individualsMy study shows that otherness affect individuals identity constructions through stereotyping and categorising. This is made possible by the use of power from outside and inside different groupings. From outside the majority group can categorise and create groups by diving individuals into these different groupings. Also, those with more power inside groups can decide what belongs, and what does not belong to the groups, by using otherness as contrast. These processes affect individuals? ability to form identities through homogenising these groups.My study also shows that the notion of difference cannot be totally ignored, and replaced by similarity regarding issues of identity constructions. Due to different power relations between groups the notion of difference must be taken into account when dealing with individuals and groups identities.