The we—sum of its parts or something else?

Abstract

How could the idea of continuous identity be compatible with the fact that people live in social spheres (groups) which are subject to constant change? Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this article analyzes what is meant by social and collective identity in ordinary language, psychology, and philosophy. By comparing the ideas of the Social Identity Approach, Social Representations Theory, and Identity Process Theory with Vincent Descombes’ Puzzling Identities, a work in analytic philosophy, the article addresses the fundamental problem of how identity continuity could be possible despite social change. In particular, both the changing material composition of groups and the idea of identity formation in fluid meta-contrast comparisons prove to be major obstacles to continuity. It is discussed how these obstacles might be overcome by the social psychological notions of stable prototypes or representations as well as philosophical ideas of portraying collectives as legal persons, political agents, or general will.