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Selective identity preferences: Choosing from among alternative occupational identities

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Title:	Selective identity preferences: Choosing from among alternative occupational identities
Author(s):	Christopher D. Moore, Dawn T. Robinson
Volume:	23 Editor(s): S.R.Thye and Edward Lawler ISBN: 0-7623-1330-7
Citation:	Christopher D. Moore, Dawn T. Robinson (2006), Selective identity preferences: Choosing from among alternative occupational identities, in S.R.Thye and Edward Lawler (ed.) (Advances in Group Processes, Volume 23), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.253-281
DOI:	10.1016/S0882-6145(06)23010-8 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Chapter Item
Abstract:	Affect control theory describes a process in which individuals work to maintain existing situated identities. In this paper, we extend affect control theory to explain selective identity preferences in occupational settings. We argue that individuals form preferences about potential future identities with an eye to maintaining consistency between their potential experiences and their existing biographical identities. In particular, we suggest that occupational identity preferences reflect work-specific biographical identities called worker identities. We then predict that individuals who are seeking alternative or additional occupational identities will prefer those that evoke sentiments that are similar to those evoked by their worker identities. We find that current worker sentiments predict reports of desired and undesired future occupational identities, to include generalized military identities, to a remarkable degree. We discuss the implications for research on occupational mobility, work, and life course, as well as for existing identity theories.