Navigating Identity: An Examination of Identity Formation Among Marginalized Communities

Abstract

This study investigates the process of identity formation within marginalized communities, analyzing the interplay of social, cultural, and psychological factors. By examining how identity intersects with socioeconomic status, historical contexts, and the impacts of discrimination, the paper reveals the complex mechanisms behind individual and communal identity development. Drawing from an empirical review of relevant psychological literature, the paper sheds light on the multiple pathways through which identity is shaped in marginalized contexts. It delves into the influence of societal structures and historical contexts on the presentation of the self of marginalized individuals, highlighting they navigate through the external factors that push them to the sidelines employing hegemonic instruments. Through an analysis rooted in psychological theory and empirical evidence, this research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of identity formation, enhancing the dissection of how identity is performed within and through marginalized communities.