Abstract
The study addresses the question of identity management among a group of economically successful men living in a postmodern context. Specific domains are explored and qualitatively analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The characteristics of identity are discussed and attributable meaning in the home and workplace, and how these men balance and manage identity within these differing settings. Identity Process Theory (Breakwell, 1986, 1996) and Social Representations Theory (Moscovici, 1984, 1988) are utilised to provide understanding and knowledge of how this group of men manage associative stressors, tensions and pressures in various contexts. The results indicate that the participants tend to focus their attention in the work domain, with a consequential impact on familial relationships and psychological and physiological health. The nature of specific stressors and pressures are identified, thereby providing understanding for practitioners into the management of identity for this group of men.The study also addresses the question of identity management among a group of economically successful women living in a postmodern context. Specific domains are explored and qualitatively analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis: the nature and dynamics of self-expression and attributable meaning in the home and workplace, and the balance of time and energy in these domains. Contemporary epistemology and practice - postmodern and pluralistic - is utilised as a theoretical rationale to provide understanding and knowledge of how this group of women manage associative stressors, tensions and pressures as they develop their aspirations and express themselves in various contexts. The results indicate that the participants cope relatively well with negative influences in particularly demanding circumstances: a corporate environment of inequity and gender discrimination; the demands and responsibilities of being a working mother; and the maintenance and continuity of intimate personal relationships. Areas of neglect, in terms of the influence of oppressive politics and discriminatory practices on psychological and physiological health are identified; proposals for an analysis of these areas are delineated relative to corporate-organisational structures.