There Goes My Hero: The Role of Exemplars in Identity Formation
Klimstra,Theo A. Archer,Alfred Reitz,Anne K. Chung,Joanne M. Engelen,Bart
Klimstra,Theo A.
Archer,Alfred
Reitz,Anne K.
Chung,Joanne M.
Engelen,Bart
Abstract
In this paper, we argue that who one is and wants to become, is closely related to whom one admires. Although the links between identity formation and exemplars have been largely neglected, we claim that integrating both literatures provides interesting new insights. First, exemplars can play an important role in and constitute a powerful tool for people's identity construction. Second, insights into identity formation processes can help better understand how people select, evaluate and replace their exemplars. Third, we explore the ways in which external factors - such as possible selves, social relationships and emotions - affect both exemplars and identity formation. Finally, we discuss how stigma, marginalization and do-gooder derogation can prevent exemplars from playing a positive role in identity formation. By integrating existing perspectives on identity formation and exemplars, we explain how people obtain their personal commitments and what exactly can inspire their attempts to change or maintain their identity.
Description
Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.
Date
2023-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Commitments, Exemplars, Exploration, Identity formation, Role models
Citation
Klimstra, T A, Archer, A, Reitz, A K, Chung, J M & Engelen, B 2023, 'There Goes My Hero : The Role of Exemplars in Identity Formation', Human Development, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 154-169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000531435
License
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess