This volume presents an analysis of some of the most fundamental issues facing scholars studying self and identity. Chapters represent the diverse issues, perspectives and controversies inherent in the recent wave of interest in the self, and suggest avenues of analysis and empirical research.

Introduction ; 1. Toward a Second Century of the Scientific Analysis of Self and Identity ; Part I. Classic Contrasts ; Multiplicity of Self Versus Unity of Indentity ; 2. Multiplicity of Selves ; 3. The Case for Unity in the (Post) Modern Self: A Modest Proposal ; Personal Self Versus Social Identity ; 4. The Personal Self in Social Context: Barriers to Authenticity ; 5. Me's and We's: Forms and Functions of Social Identities ; Part II. Critical Contexts ; 6. The Historical Formation of Selves ; 7. Selves as Cultured: As Told by an Anthropologist Who Lacks a Soul ; 8. The Self and Society: Changes, Problems, and Opportunities ; Conclusion ; 9. Fundamental Issues in the Study of Self and Identity: Contrats, Contexts, and Conflicts ; Index

"Self and Identity: Fundamental Issues presents the historical progression of the exploration of self and identity-related constructs in addition to providing a critical analysis of these perspectives. Given that the editors of this book did not impose specific meanings on the terms 'self' and 'identity,' the reader is able to read each chapter as a separate and unique approach to this topic area. ... Chapters within this book are organized around two themes: contrasting perspectives on the nature of self and identity, and contexts that are critical for understanding self and identity. ... [T]he chapters are well organized and easy to grasp. Even those fairly unfamiliar with psychological theory can quickly begin to understand the authors' intended direction and theoretical analyses. ... Overall, this piece is a great foundation for individuals of all disciplines who are interested in topics associated with the self."--Disability Studies Quarterly "Self and Identity: Fundamental Issues presents the historical progression of the exploration of self and identity-related constructs in addition to providing a critical analysis of these perspectives. Given that the editors of this book did not impose specific meanings on the terms 'self' and 'identity,' the reader is able to read each chapter as a separate and unique approach to this topic area. ... Chapters within this book are organized around two themes: contrasting perspectives on the nature of self and identity, and contexts that are critical for understanding self and identity. ... [T]he chapters are well organized and easy to grasp. Even those fairly unfamiliar with psychological theory can quickly begin to understand the authors' intended direction and theoretical analyses. ... Overall, this piece is a great foundation for individuals of all disciplines who are interested in topics associated with the self."--Disability Studies Quarterly

"Self and Identity: Fundamental Issues presents the historical progression of the exploration of self and identity-related constructs in addition to providing a critical analysis of these perspectives. Given that the editors of this book did not impose specific meanings on the terms 'self' and 'identity,' the reader is able to read each chapter as a separate and unique approach to this topic area. ... Chapters within this book are organized around two themes: contrasting perspectives on the nature of self and identity, and contexts that are critical for understanding self and identity. ... [T]he chapters are well organized and easy to grasp. Even those fairly unfamiliar with psychological theory can quickly begin to understand the authors' intended direction and theoretical analyses. ... Overall, this piece is a great foundation for individuals of all disciplines who are interested in topics associated with the self."--Disability Studies Quarterly "Self and Identity: Fundamental Issues presents the historical progression of the exploration of self and identity-related constructs in addition to providing a critical analysis of these perspectives. Given that the editors of this book did not impose specific meanings on the terms 'self' and 'identity,' the reader is able to read each chapter as a separate and unique approach to this topic area. ... Chapters within this book are organized around two themes: contrasting perspectives on the nature of self and identity, and contexts that are critical for understanding self and identity. ... [T]he chapters are well organized and easy to grasp. Even those fairly unfamiliar with psychological theory can quickly begin to understand the authors' intended direction and theoretical analyses. ... Overall, this piece is a great foundation for individuals of all disciplines who are interested in topics associated with the self."--Disability Studies Quarterly