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(1967). International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 48:124

The Concept of Identity: By David J. de Levita. (Paris: Mouton. 1965. Pp. 209.)

Review by: Peter Lomas

There are several words which may be used to describe that which we regard as intrinsic to us: being, self, person, individual, identity, and so on. Which word we select depends perhaps on arbitrary choice. In the field of psycho-analysis it has happened that this entity has been given its most adequate expression by Erikson and that he has selected the term Identity with which to label it. The author of The Concept of Identity is openly and profoundly influenced by Erikson's work.

De Levita traces the use of the term in philosophy from Plato onwards, regarding William James as the originator of the modern concept, and follows this with a most lucid and illuminating account and critique of the work of Erikson and others within the psycho-analytic movement who have focussed attention on identity.

In the latter part of the book the author develops a concept of identity based on role, defining it as the "cluster of roles one is enacting." He believes that

the assignment of i

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