"This book provides an extensive understanding of identity formation as it relates to human striving agency and social organization (culture). James Cote and Charles Levine have compiled state-of-the-art psychological and sociological theory and research into a concise synthesis not currently available in other books. Comprehensive yet accessible this volume utilizes a vast interdisciplinary literature in a reader-friendly style.

Playing the role of narrators, the authors take readers through the most important theories and studies of self and identity, focusing on pragmatic issues of identity formation - those things that matter most in people's lives. The volume is divided into three parts. Part I provides a critical analysis of the self and identity literature, including discussions of postmodernism and feminism. Part II focuses on identity formation, placing it in cultural and historical contexts, and revisits the original work of Erik Erikson. Part III builds upon Erikson's ideas to make them more relevant to today's society.

The book concludes with recommendations regarding how to develop and understand the untapped potential of human identity formation. A glossary of terms helps readers familiarize themselves with key terms and concepts.".

"This book is intended for identity-related researchers in the behavioral and social sciences as well as for clinicians, counselors, and social workers dealing with identity-related disorders.

It can also serve as a main or supplemental text in advanced courses on identity, such as identity and human development, social development, moral development, personality, the sociology of identity, and the individual and society taught in departments of psychology, sociology, human development, and family studies."--BOOK JACKET.