From Identification to Framing and Alignment: A New Approach to the Comparative Analysis of Collective Identities

• Published in: Current anthropology 2017-06, Vol.58 (3), p.340-359
• Main Authors: Eidson, John R., Feyissa, Dereje, Fuest, Veronika, Hoehne, Markus V., Nieswand, Boris, Schlee, Günther, Zenker, Olaf
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collective action; Comparative analysis; Falls; Frame analysis; Group identity; Identity; Religion; Semantics
• ISSN: 0011-3204; 1537-5382
• DOI: 10.1086/691970

We present a comprehensive framework for the comparative analysis of collective identities and corresponding processes of identification, framing, and alignment. Collective identities are defined as activated categories of likeness, distinction, and solidarity, located within any one of a number of possible frames (e.g., nationality, religion, and gender) and aligned series (e.g., national, regional, or local categories of identification). Emphasis falls on the dynamics of identification, framing, and alignment within limits that are cognitive or semantic, on one hand, and social, economic, political, or legal, on the other. Specifying the limits within which identification, framing, and alignment may vary allows us to elide sterile debates about whether collective identities are invariable or variable and to focus instead on variation in the relative frequency, typical duration, and degree of ease or difficulty of acts of identification corresponding to distinguishable types. Such dynamics are examined with reference to codeterminants of identification: situations, circumstances, and actors’ motives. In conclusion, we reflect on the qualitative and quantitative consequences of variable forms of identification in collective action. Multiple examples illustrate the utility of the framework for comparative analysis.