ABSTRACT
Identity empowerment theory is a synthesis of structural-functional theory; conflict theory; and cultural theory, which includes symbolic interaction theories and interpretive sociology. Secondary analyses of relevant research findings were used to conceptualize additional critical aspects of interdependencies between identity and religion. Identity empowerment theory explains some of the complex substantive connections between self and society. Identity empowerment theory is based on the premise that personal and social identities both derive from social sources and have social consequences. Identity empowerment theory is a broad base of interrelated concepts from which central ideas related to identity and religion or belief systems can be examined. Ultimately, identity and religion need to be thought of, and acted upon, within the contexts or perspectives of community, society, history, and evolution. Identity empowerment is possible because both identity and human behavior are expressions of specific kinds of orderliness in the universe. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
