The Theory

The Core Premise

Identity Group Theory begins from a simple observation:
individuals belong to multiple identity groups, and these memberships shape behavior.

Rather than a single unified self, the individual is understood as a composite of multiple identity-based selves, each linked to a specific group and its expectations.

The Individual

In IGT, the individual is not a single, stable entity, but a dynamic system of interacting identities.

Each person consists of:

  • A reflexive Self
  • Multiple Social Selves, each tied to an identity group

These selves compete for time, energy, and attention, forcing individuals to make constant trade-offs in everyday life. 

Identity Narrative

Every identity group operates through a shared framework—an identity narrative—that defines what it means to belong.

[👉 Figure 1: Identity Narrative Components]

This includes:

  • What is legitimate knowledge (epistemology)
  • What exists (ontology)
  • What is right (ethics)
  • What is valued (aesthetics)
  • How one should act (behavioral norms)

Identity Group Template

All identity groups share a common structure, consisting of three domains:

  • Structural Characteristics
  • Regulatory Mechanisms
  • Identity Economies

This template allows IGT to analyse any identity group—from families to professions to nations—using a consistent framework.

Identity Economies

Identity is not only symbolic—it is also economic.

[👉 Figure 3: Identity Economies ]

Figure 2: Identity Economies – Vertical and Horizontal Resources

Vertical resourcesHorizontal Resources 
< – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – TIME – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – >
Psychic CapitalReciprocity Capital   Renown CapitalMonetary Capital
< – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ENERGY – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – >

Individuals allocate resources across identities, including:

  • Monetary capital (money, material resources)
  • Renown capital (status, recognition)
  • Reciprocity capital (trust, obligation)
  • Psychic capital (emotional and mental energy)

These are supported by finite horizontal resources:
time and energy. 

Core Assumptions

IGT is built on five key assumptions:

  1. Individuals manage finite resources across identity groups
  2. Identity groups are structured, hierarchical, and economic
  3. Identity narratives shape behavior through norms and expectations
  4. Identity alignment depends on cost-benefit trade-offs
  5. Individuals act strategically within constraints

Key Concepts

  • Interpellation: being “called into” an identity in interaction
  • Salience: which identity dominates, based on resource allocation
  • Identity narrative: the shared script of a group
  • Capital: resources used to sustain identities