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  • Essay / The conflict between individual identity and social identity...

    (2012, p.99) states that individual identity is two-dimensional, with a social identity and a personal identity. Retour et al. (2012, p.99) also explains that these dimensions tend to be disconnected from the culture of individualism. Together, this explains the tension individuals experience between having an identity prescribed to them by the groups they associate with and the individual forming their own identity (Back et al. 2012, p.99) . Essentially, an individual may seek to alter their identity, possibly through figurations, but it is ultimately up to the individual's groups to decide whether their new identity will be accepted or rejected. If rejected by the group, the individual will undoubtedly experience negative feelings and will be very tempted to return to their previous identity. Additionally, the group can also shift its identity in the desired direction (Simmel 1969, p..