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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does feminists often react during times of identity development and social change, as proposed in Erikson's theory?

2. What do the elements of the self produce in light of Erikson's theory of identity development?

3. What does Erikson say must not happen with strong black mothers?

4. Where does Erikson feel our self representations stem from?

5. What does Erikson feel about psychoanalysts' use of biology?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Erikson feel it is important to have a clear identity when one has numerous options for identity available?

2. Why does Erikson's notion of identity resistance often occur and therapy?

3. What resulted from Marx-Freud polarization?

4. What is Erikson feel that terms such as "I" or "self" are confusing?

5. According to Erikson what is necessary for a woman to form her identity?

6. The why does Erikson feel that anatomy is destiny?

7. In referring to Erikson's theory of racial identity development, how are the negative self images of minorities unintentionally reinforced by the majority?

8. According to Erikson, why is preoccupation with identity the symptom of alienation?

9. What is Erikson state that is so difficult for black youth to find their identity?

10. According to post-Freudian theory, how is culture developed around women?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the prologue, Erikson discusses the story about an old man who vomits daily. What is the significance of this story in terms of this man's identity? How can the story be used to further define or explain identity of an individual or culture?

Essay Topic 2

Erikson's discussion on the differences of identity between youth today and those of 20 years ago focuses on the fact that today's youth may suffer more identity crisis than those of the past. Provide evidence from the reading that support this theory. Based on the reading, what factors do you feel play a major role in today's youth being unable to effectively form a positive self identity? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the importance of using case history to develop a theory of identity. Is this method valid? Why or why not? What other methods could be used in developing valid theory of identity development?

(see the answer keys)

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