ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the question How did we get here? A typology is offered that combines historical, anthropological, and sociological analyses, contrasting current identity societies with traditional role societies. In role societies traditional norms prevailed over individual choices; identities were largely ascribed at birth and replicated those of parents, grandparents, and so on down the line through multiple generations. In contrast, in identity societies, young people who are not rooted in tradition-based families and communities are expected to engage in certain degrees of individualization of their life course wherein they strike out on their own psychologically and socially. In the latter societal contexts, optimal identity formation is proactive: the person engages in forward and reflective thought about important life choices and options. This form of individualized identity formation rises to prominence when parental role models are obsolete, weak, or optional. Other identity formation patterns are identified that are less functional. When linked with the developmental psychology literature on identity formation, these societal contrasts show how remarkably different and varied identity formation patterns are today when young people attempt to transit from childhood toward adulthood faced with the task of forming an individualized adult identity.
