Chapter 5, Theoretical Interlude Summary and Analysis

Chapter 5 turns towards some theoretical questions. Erikson remarks that the idea of identity is tied to the idea of a self-concept of self-system. As a self-concept and system, the ego produces a continuity of self-representation which is again an identity. The ego is forward-looking in that it understands where it wishes to go and the place it wishes to take within society at large. Ego identity, for Erikson, involves testing, selecting, and integrating self-images drawn from psychosocial crises of childhood in light of one's future ideology. Ego-Identity results from synthesizing on the frontiers of the ego, merging self with the environment. Erikson also explains why in subsequent years he has replaced the idea of identity confusion with identity diffusion since one is not confused about which identity one has but rather has a diffuse identity that does...