Identity Discourse

The present chapter provides an understanding of the process of identity construction in a pluralistic society, its contestation, and its implications for intergroup harmony. Identity construction does not occur in a vacuum; there are personal and social factors that play a major role. The process of identity construction may involve negotiations and at times contestations, which provide a context wherein personal and social identities can be understood. The chapter discusses the nature, antecedents, and challenges in identity construction and attempts to delineate how multiple identities can coexist and augur for a harmonious society. The understanding of pluralities of human identity is important for harmony. With multiple identities, the scope for sharing common ground increases and the boundaries between groups become more porous. It is the sharing of spaces between groups that offer an opportunity for intergroup harmony today.