Emergent organization in the dialogical self: Evolution of a ‘‘both’’ ethnic identity position

Abstract

Dialogical self theory, based on principles of self-organizing systems, provides a framework within which diverse views regarding identity creation can be reconciled. The framework encompasses the relatively stable and coherent identity story as well as the more variable, contextually specific identity positionings. We illustrate how these dialogical self processes work together in the identity narration of a young woman who is second-generation Asian Indian, in particular: (a) the context (frame of reference) specificity of system emergence and constraint; (b) the use of macro organizers for both system stability and flexibility; (c) system variability surrounding emergence of a new identity position, I-as-both; (d) the abruptness of emergences; and (e) the developing organization of the new position through causal linking of previously oppositional positions.