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Abstract
Borrowing from symbolic interactionism, social constructionism and dramaturgy, this dissertation analyzes the pragmatic construction of collective identity in a single, peace and justice social movement organization. Collective identity refers to the qualities and characteristics attributed to a group by members of that group. The interpretative analysis advanced in this dissertation is based on data derived from participant observation, documents and interviews. The data gathered by means of this triangulation approach is used to accomplish three goals. First, this dissertation seeks to provide a framework for understanding collective identity construction generally. Second, the cardinal components of collective identity construction in movement organizations are identified and elaborated. Related to this second goal, it is argued that the concept of collective identity construction holds considerable analytical utility for understanding other aspects of movement organizations. The thesis advanced here is that collective identity is a key concept for understanding the dialectical construction of meaning within movement organizations and other groups.
Dialectical construction of collective identity refers to both social processes and structures. The processes of attributing collective identity are conditioned by prevailing social structures, including existing definitions of a group's collective identity. Structure alludes to rules that guide individuals interpretations, understandings and actions. These rules are a priori "definitions of the situation" or "frames." Also collective identity emerges through interaction processes that entail verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. Process implies a temporal dimension that could range from fractions of a second to centuries. Process here refers more to an intermediate level, focusing on verbal and nonverbal interaction between two or more individuals. Collective identity, in part, consists of multiple performance teams, myths of organizational power, a consensual collective identity, taboos, and collective character. The analytical utility of collective identity is suggested by examining some of the relationships between the concept and personal and collective commitments. The dissertation concludes with some suggestions for future research.
