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Article published In: Pragmatics & Cognition
Vol. 26:2/3 (2019) ► pp.386–413

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Identity studies and identity construction

Insights from Donald J. Trump’s (un)presidentiality

 | Xi’an International Studies University, China | California State University, USA
Published online: 12 February 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/pc.19025.che
Abstract
In this paper, I report on a quasi-case study of U.S. presidential identity based on Donald J. Trump’s presidency, demonstrating that Trump is considered by the American public as an antithesis of presidentiality. I then discuss the insights from this study on several critical issues that face identity studies, an expansive area of investigation which has attracted the attention of students from a diverse range of disciplines. I demonstrate that identity is a set of attributes the formation of which is based on the mission of the group and the expected behaviors of members of that group, that the construction of identity is largely a bottom-up and gradual process, and that identity is both preexisting and emergent.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Challenges in identity studies: By way of literature review
    • 2.1What is identity?
    • 2.2How is identity formed/constructed?
    • 2.3Is identity preexisting or emergent?
  • 3.Defining U.S. presidential identity
    • Falsehood
    • Divisiveness
    • Inconsistency in position
    • Ignorance
    • Pettiness
    • Disrespect
    • Self-centeredness
    • Impulsiveness
  • 4.Insights from Trump’s (un)presidentiality
    • 4.1A categorization of identity
      • I-identity
      • G-identity
      • S-identity
    • 4.2Identity and expectation
    • 4.3Constructing identity from bottom up
    • 4.4Identity as both preexisting and emergent
  • 5.Further insights and investigations: By way of conclusion
    • 5.1How do identities differ?
    • 5.2Is Trump’s unpresidentiality a choice?
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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