INTRODUCTION

We apply our cognitive mapping methodology to the question of identity using the analytical framework of Abdelal et al. (Chapter 1 in this volume) as our starting point. In their contribution, Abdelal et al. begin by establishing their view of a collective identity as a social category that varies along two dimensions, content and contestation. They further suggest that the content of a collective identity can be of four types: constitutive norms, social purposes, relational comparisons with other social categories, and cognitive models.

Of these four types of content, cognitive mapping can be applied to the latter three (most directly to cognitive models and relational content, and perhaps least directly to social purposes) on the assumption that all of these types of content are contained in the belief systems of individuals and may be expressed to varying degrees in their speech and writings.