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The Mechanics of Identity Formation

A Discursive Psychological Perspective on Academic Identity

  • Chapter
Identity Work in the Contemporary University

Part of the book series: Educational Futures: Rethinking Theory and Practice ((EDUFUT,volume 1))

Abstract

Research into academic identities is principally underpinned by sociological theory, stressing the relationship between individuals and the social institutions and structures with which they interact (McLean, 2012). This sociological research identifies how professional identities are negotiated within the constraints and affordances of these social structures and institutions. Central to this negotiation are lived experiences (Clegg, 2005; McAlpine & Lucas, 2011) and the institutions within which these take place.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

    Neil Mclean

  2. Open University, Plymouth, UK

    Linda Price

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  1. Neil Mclean
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  2. Linda Price
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Durham University, UK

    Jan Smith

  2. Durham University, UK

    Julie Rattray

  3. University of Sydney, Australia

    Tai Peseta

  4. University of Edinburgh, UK

    Daphne Loads

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Mclean, N., Price, L. (2016). The Mechanics of Identity Formation. In: Smith, J., Rattray, J., Peseta, T., Loads, D. (eds) Identity Work in the Contemporary University. Educational Futures: Rethinking Theory and Practice, vol 1. SensePublishers, Rotterdam. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-310-0_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-310-0_4

  • Publisher Name: SensePublishers, Rotterdam

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-6300-310-0

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