The self divides into personal, relational, and collective layers

Evidence

The personal self is how the individual differs from others, is characterized by individual uniqueness and personal responsibility, and is motivated by self-interest. The relational self is motivated by interdependence with close others, who define the self, and dictates a responsiveness to others’ needs and concerns. Finally, the collective self is a “depersonalized self” that is defined by membership in large collective groups and has a significant impact on an individual’s self-concept, self-evaluation, and beliefs/values (Brewer & Chen, 2007; Brewer & Gardner, 1996; Turner et al., 1987). For a substantial portion of the world’s population, religion can thus serve as a basis for the collective self. “I see being Jewish as… it’s something I’ve been born into so it’s who I am as a person” (Cadge & Davidman, 2006, p. 27). Being Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Hindu, or Buddhist provides individuals with a sense of self and becomes a way to define the collective self. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 909

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clearly distinguishes personal, relational, and collective self as a three-part framework.
• XREF: Brewer’s tripartite self parallels the social-identity theory material common in sociology of religion and Tajfel/Turner group psychology read elsewhere. — connects to: The single authentic self is a social construction at odds with real social practice. — Alice E. Marwick, Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity,…, 617; the MOC “The Forge and the Other: How Power, Discourse, and Encounter Cast the Self”