Coping with structural disadvantage: Overcoming negative effects of perceived barriers through bonding identities.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_440A57BAB7F1
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Coping with structural disadvantage: Overcoming negative effects of perceived barriers through bonding identities.
Journal
British Journal of Social Psychology
Author(s)
Bakouri  M., Staerklé  C
ISSN
0144-6665
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
54
Pages
648-670
Language
english
Abstract
Members of socially disadvantaged groups often experience societal devaluation, material
hardship, and restricted opportunities, especially during critical life-course transitions. In
this study, we investigate whether what we term ‘bonding identities’, that is identities
connecting the self to significant persons whether in terms of social relationships (e.g.,
family relations) or in terms of categorical collective identities, help individuals negotiate
structural constraints on life-course opportunities. We develop and test a model
according to which greater perceived barriers to one’s life projects are psychologically
harmful. We then test whether bonding identities function as a buffer against these
stressors’ negative psychological effects. Data were collected with a standardized
questionnaire from pre-apprentices, apprentices, and young employees in two institutions
(N = 365). Results confirm that perceiving barriers to one’s life project was harmful
for self-esteem. However, for participants who defined themselves in terms of bonding
identities, greater perceived barriers did not decrease their perceived coping efficacy and
were less harmful for their self-esteem. These findings point to the empowering role of
bonding identities (and the social relationships that they imply) for disadvantaged group
members.
Create date
07/12/2014 21:46
Last modification date
05/11/2019 17:36
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