The principle of identification in culture
In the last century the principle of identification, a problem area in modern culture, and the urge to characterize historical and cultural models of identity, have gained special prominence in cultural discourse. This article studies the construction and specific function of the identity principle. It examines the increasing intensity of the dynamics of changing figurative representations, which became more apparent in Europe in the beginning of the ХХ century as the crisis of identity arose. On a massive scale, the dynamics of changing identity threatens individual integrity and results in individuals aspiring to identify themselves with narrow and exclusive groups, changing the I-identity position to We-identity. The high intensity of change in the available identity images is precisely described, for example, in N. Elias' works. This article investigates the processes which have led to changes in the cultural basis of identity, the theoretical field of notions and concepts, and the systems of the images accompanying the identification process.