Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book illustrates some interesting questions in terms of twin experiences and the social construction of their identity. It addresses the issue of 'performance of twin identity' including construction of identity around similarity, team work, complimentary halves and identity confusion. The author finds the social construction of twin identity problematic in the story of Ryan and Grant Seymour because the reporting repeats the limitations of mainstream psychological research, where conventional stereotypes of a supposed 'twin similarity' are reinforced thereby undermining personal uniqueness and authentic individual differences. In addition, notions of twin pathology, prejudice and stigma are also reinforced in the way the story describes twins.