Seeks to answer the basic social question of 'who am I?' by developing an understanding of self-identity as formed in social relations and social activity. Including chapters on gender and class, this book shows how identity 'works'. It is useful reading on courses in self and society, identity and personality formation.

It seeks to answer the basic social question of 'who am I?' by developing an understanding of self-identity as formed in social relations and social activity. Comprehensive, jargon-free and authoritative, it will be required reading on courses in self and society, identity and personality formation.Praise for the first edition: 'A masterpiece of scholarly analysis and a book that should be read by anyone interested in either personality or social behaviour' - "Contemporary Psychology". 'Burkitt deserves praise for the clarity with which he presents his overview of the relevant theories, for the cogency which he offers his own critiques of these theories, and for his commitment to thinking dialectically about the self' - "Theory and Psychology". 'A very valuable contribution to its field' - "Sociology". 'Burkitt offers a discerning discussion! The volume is essential reading for anyone concerned with this challenging problem' - "Choice".

Society and the Self Dialogue and the Social Self Ethics, Self and Performativity Power, Knowledge and the Self Gender, Sexuality and Identity Social Relations, Social Class and the Self Self in Contemporary Society Conclusion