DO ADOLESCENTS HAVE IDENTITY? A CONCEPTUAL CRITIQUE
DO ADOLESCENTS HAVE IDENTITY? A CONCEPTUAL CRITIQUE

Summary/Abstract: There is an abundance of research literature on the psychology of adolescent identity in various contexts ranging from juvenile delinquency to acculturation of immigrant adolescents. Yet, despite the widespread usage of the phrase “adolescent identity”, there is a dearth of conceptual clarification of the notion. The concept came into prominence through the pioneering work of Erik Erikson. The purpose of this paper is to delve into the content of the very concept of adolescent identity as conceptualized in Erikson’s works and thereby to proffer a philosophical critique of his conception of adolescent identity.

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