Abstract
Identity construction – the process of creating and building a new future self – is an integral part of a person’s professional career development. However, at present we have little understanding of the psychological mechanisms that underpin this process. Likewise, we have little understanding of the barriers that obstruct it, and which thus may contribute to inequality in career outcomes. Using a social identity lens, and particularly the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC), we explore the process of academic identity construction among doctoral students. Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 22 Ph.D. candidates, we observe that the identity construction process relies on a person’s perception of a navigable pathway between their current self and their future self. Importantly, participants who were able to access multiple identity resources were more likely to perceive a navigable pathway to a future professional self (e.g., as an academic), unless they perceived these identities to be incompatible with those held by leading members of the profession (e.g., their supervisors). This research suggests that the identities that people are able to access as they progress in their careers may play an important role in their ongoing professional identity construction and career success.
Highlights
Seeing a successful woman that still has her identity as part of her persona in research
We explore the role of multiple identities in identity construction among Ph.D. candidates
In line with the rationale set out above, in this research we investigated the mechanisms of professional identity construction within the Ph.D. training process through the lens of the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) model
Summary
Seeing a successful woman that still has her identity as part of her persona in research. Career pathways can be seen as a progression of role changes: who one was in the past; who one is ; and most importantly, who one will become in the future (Obodaru, 2012) From this perspective, it is clear that careers are characterized by the ongoing relinquishment of old identities (who one was) and construction of new ones (who one is going to be). It is clear that careers are characterized by the ongoing relinquishment of old identities (who one was) and construction of new ones (who one is going to be) This process of identity construction is far from simple because it involves the acquisition of observable knowledge and skills (the “content” of a job role), and the internalization of a range of (often implicit) behaviors, values and understandings that are embedded within the future identity (Katz and Kahn, 1978; Ibarra, 1999; Dukerich, 2001). What are the goals, values, characteristics and behaviors that you associate with the ideal [interviewee’s term/s]?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
