Identitet kao optimalno ekonomiziranje odnosa s Drugim/a
Identity as the Optimal Economizing of Relations with the Other/s

Summary/Abstract: By taking as a starting point the case of media promotion of Kosovar identity after the war in Kosovo (1999), the author of this paper considers the formation and/or transformation processes and mechanisms of social identities. The author introduces the concepts identity situation and function of identity in order to further explain the transformation process of social identities. The identity situation of social entity is defined by its relations with the others, in which or through which certain identities are formed or transformed. Social subjects or entities enter into relations with Other/s in order to achieve certain goals. All social entities before any anticipated relation with the Other/s and/or during that relation conduct a permanent rational, economic re/organization of all their symbolic resources or moments of identification to achieve the best results in their projected goals in these relations. The optimal result of this rational, economic self-organization of social entity is its self-identification for the purpose of achieving its projected goals in relations with the Other/s. Therefore, we can talk about the economy of identity as well. Instead of the widely used binomial concepts of “true” and “false” identities, that in fact do not adequately articulate and illuminate this issue, the author uses the term performative identity, which is in a constant dynamic relationship of reciprocal definition with the so-called “intimate” or “real” identity.

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