Escaping the self.pdf (279.56 kB)
Escaping the self: identity, group identification and violence
This article draws on the early work of Erich Fromm. In Escape from Freedom (1969) Fromm directly addressed the psychological mechanisms of escape modern individuals employ to protect themselves from feelings of ontological insecurity and existential estrangement. The article builds on Fromm’s analysis by discussing the significance of his escape mechanisms for understanding the dynamic psychological attractions of identifying with entitative groups. Fromm’s work will be discussed in relation to Hogg’s recent work on uncertainty-identity theory. The aim of the article is to examine the advantages of combining Fromm’s psychoanalytic analysis with Hogg’s uncertainty-identity theory and to highlight the potential this approach has for understanding why groups engage in violent and destructive behaviour.
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Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Oñati Socio-Legal SeriesISSN
2079-5971Publisher
Oñati International Institute for the Sociology of Law - Instituto Internacional de Sociolog a Jurdica de OnatiIssue
4Volume
6Page range
1032-1052Department affiliated with
- Sociology and Criminology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-07-25First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-11-28First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-07-25Usage metrics
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