"Incompleteness" and the quest for multiple identities in South Africa
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Institute of African Affairs
Abstract
The article explores the contours of multiple identities in contrast
to singular identities in situations of social complexity and cultural
diversity. Nyamnjoh’s concepts of “incompleteness” and “frontier Africans”
imply an alternative approach to identity formation. Although the
formation of one’s own, singular identity is a necessary stage in the development
of each individual, it has specific limitations. This is especially
true in situations of complexity and diversity and where the achievement of
social cohesion is an important goal. With reference to existing theories of
identity formation, an alternative framework is proposed that is more
appropriate for the dynamic, open-ended nature of identity and better
suited to encourage the enrichment of identity. The role of imagination, a
strategy for crossing borders (with reference to Clingman’s concept of a
“grammar of identity”), the search for commonality, and the effect of
historical memory are discussed. Enriched and multiple identities are not
achieved by replacement or exchange, but by widening (existing) singular
identities into a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the self.
Description
CITATION: Lategan, B. C. 2015. “Incompleteness” and the quest for multiple identities in South Africa. Africa Spectrum, 50(3):81–107.
The original publication is available at http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp
The original publication is available at http://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp
Keywords
Cultural pluralism -- South Africa, Social group identity, Identity conflicts, Autonomy
Citation
Lategan, B. C. 2015. “Incompleteness” and the quest for multiple identities in South Africa. Africa Spectrum, 50(3):81–107.