“We-feeling” or identity in a group implies a certain common bond, a common sympathy, and a definite consciousness of being united in some way. This force is sometimes discussed in terms of group solidarity, morale, or esprit de corps, the individuals feel a common concern a stake in ‘what happens to the other members of the group and the group as a whole. The individual feels he belongs, is a part of, and has a common concern with the group. It may be said that these feelings involve the sort of sympathy and mutual identification for which the word “we” is the natural expression.
This “we-feeling” is often manifested by group members when they speak in terms of “we feel,” “we believe,” “we want,” “we demand,” “we contend,” or speak of “our group,” “our problem,” and “our achievement.” This may be contrasted with other verbalizations such as “they think” or “they do.” Usually the pronouns are used as the basis of distinguishing the group to which the individual belongs from some other group – “in-group” versus “out-group.”
However, inside any given group there is a wide range of the degree of “we-feeling” or identity with the group. With widely different intensity, members may feel that this is my group – “the group whose members I know, whose purposes I share, whose traditions I respect, whose goals I will strive for, and whose prestige I will work to maintain.”
Identity is largely emotional, and hence often difficult to account for on any rational grounds. While it may be based on the ideals, philosophy, or objectives of the group, it may be built equally well around feelings toward certain individuals. It may also involve past experiences with the group or perhaps some symbolic meaning which the group conveys to the individual. Any or all of these factors plus many more may be combined in almost any way to produce the feeling of identity between a member and his group.
It is an important point that a member may identify on one basis but not on another. He may identify to a very great degree with the fundamental purpose of the group, but poorly indeed with the group itself. He might feel completely at home and happy with the members but have no feeling toward the goals and aspirations of the group. The strongest and most enduring feelings of identity appear to be those founded upon a combination of several bases.
People are often identified with several groups. Sometimes either the ends or means of these may be in conflict with each other. For example, a laborer may identify with both his company and his union, even though their interests may clash at times. A business man who identifies with his trade association, his social club, and his church may find that at times his actions in one conflict with the philosophy or ethics of another.
There is a high relationship between identity with a group and participation in that same group and its activities. This is a reciprocal relationship, since greater identification encourages participation and activity within the group is one of the most important sources of identity. Within the group frequent, highly charged interaction – especially under conditions which seem to threaten the group – often leads to exceptionally high identity and solidarity. It has been noted in military organizations especially that esprit de corps reaches its peak under conditions of danger or hazard.
Physical conditions which place group members in proximity to each other encourage interaction and hence the feeling of identity. As there is lack of intimacy and greater physical separation, interaction slows down.
The manner in which the ego of the member is rewarded by the group activity has a great deal to do with his ability to identify. It helps if the group goals coincide with his own. It also helps if he feels he has something to say about the operation of the group and the methods it chooses. All the complexities of human behavior enter into identification as it applies to the individual in a group setting.
As pointed out previously, the more group members identify with the group, the greater pressure there is to conform to group standards. Members will be more willing to compromise to secure total agreement. It also seems true that members having a high sense of identity with the group are more willing to sacrifice and work for group goals.
What About Your Group?
- To what degree do the members of your group really identify with the group?
- Does the group recognize that members may identify with the group in the following ways:
- Identity with basic philosophy and purpose of the group?
- Identity through common experiences with other members?
- Identity with group activities and accomplishments?
- Identity with group leaders and other group members?
- Identity with symbols that are representative of the group?
- Is our group providing opportunities and help toward identification?
- Do members recognize that other group members may identify strongly with other groups?