Identity as a topic of theoretical and methodological analysis: models and approaches

The history of identity reflection demonstrates the fruitful results. However, a number of key issues remain open. For example, an integrated systemic model of identity, which outlines a concept of the functioning principles and interrelationship of its various types and levels, is missing. The authors of the paper turn to this issue. The purpose of the article is to mark a set of theoretical grounds, needed for constructing such models of identity. Accomplish this purpose, conceptual approaches, which discover the structure of identity, are regarded. Firstly, it is shown that the concept of identity is not so much clarified the essence of the phenomenon, as sets the guidelines of different issues. Key meanings of the concept, highlighting the social nature of identity, its external and internal dimensions, communicative nature, come to light. The causes for interest increasing to the identity as a subject for study are analyzed. In particular, authors note the growth of personality in culture, multiple identity, and the crisis of intercultural relationships. The theoretical answer to such challenges is proposed in the framework of various concepts of identity. However, issues of the relation between external and internal levels of identity, collective and personal dimensions, and conditions of stability of 'self remain in abeyance. This conclusion is proven true by observation of psychoanalytic, sociological, cultural and philosophical representations of identity. Thus, the authors emphasize the need for an integrated model of identity. At the same time they consider, that the most appropriate approach to this problem is the cultural and philosophical interpretation of identity. As a result, the authors suggest the theoretical model of cultural identity, representing types and forms at various levels (internal and external, collective and personal). This model is based on following three principles: stability, which denotes the presence of a hard core (connected with personal identity) in the structure of identity; communicativeness, which means that identity is formed and implemented in and by communication, and the structure of Matryoshka a famous Russian doll. This structure allows connecting personal and collective identities and to explaining the multifaceted identity. The layers of the Matryoshka doll are formed by the principle of communication and movement from the individual to the collective. Each next doll includes the previous one, while the number of the potential communicants is steadily increasing. In order to prevent a 'clash of identities' it is necessary to find something common, i.e. to reach a higher level of the Matryoshka. In the context of globalization such level will be cultural and civilizational identity, which includes national, religious and social identity, but it isn't limited and isn't confined to them. From the principle of Matryoshka point of view, multiple identity is not a constant change of identities, but different levels of a whole, which includes personal and collective forms. Besides that, this principle could become the key to the understanding of several important issues, which are connected to the influence of the mass media on the identity formation, quasi-identity, and surrogate identity.

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