- Place identity
In contrast to environmental identity, which is a rather general term, we refer to place identity as a more specific way in which the environment have an effect on our identity. Place identity is a term first coined by Proshansky, defined by “those dimensions of self that define the individual’s personal identity in relation to the physical environment by means of a complex pattern of conscious and unconscious ideas, beliefs, preferences, feelings, values, goals, and behavioral tendencies and skills relevant to his environment” (as cited in Clayton and Myers, 2009). This definition is so inclusive that related terms like “place attachment” and “place dependence” are often used together. I will not discuss the distinctions among these terms but using the definition given above, I will like to point out a possible implication deriving from this concept of place identity.
Place identity may be affected by certain threats from the environment. A person may resort to leaving the place, should this identity be damaged. A typical example is a place of residence. I remember that last year when my home was surrounded by construction noises from the nearby area, I was very reluctant to stay at home unless I had to.
- Animals
A possible reason for us to identify with animals could be the fact that there is a language barrier between human and animals. Take pets for example. Without communication via spoken or written language, we can simply feel a connection with our pets without having to articulate anything. The response from the animal is usually instinctive and immediate. Thus, there is a sense of ‘authenticity’ of animals compared to humans who can speak.
Interactions with animals may affect the development of our sense of self. Because of the differences between humans and animals, animals allow us to elucidate what it means to be human. On the other hand, some communities identify with certain animals and incorporate them in their identity. For instance, the Amazonian Bororo claim to be red macaws, or at least to be symbolically like them.
A possible implication of such identification with animals is its effect on one’s social identity. Other people may see the person differently, and make certain assumptions about this person who seems to identify himself/herself with animals. For instance, we like to categorize people and give them labels such as a “dog” person, or a “cat” person. This social consequence may in turn affect how the person will or will not engage in pro-environmental behaviors.
- Environmental social identity
Our environmental identity can also be viewed from the social context. Following the above example, our affiliation to aspects of nature (plants, animal etc) may influence how we connect or conflict with another human, or how other people identify and perceive us. For instance, a person who practises environmentally friendly behaviors may be seen as positively as a civilized person who is concerned about the current environmental crisis, or negatively as one of a lower social status due to perhaps the frugality of the person. A garden would be another example. A garden is essentially an exhibition of one’s own creation, talent, and inclination. Thus, a person who has a messy and dull garden will form a different image from one who has a garden with exotic plants species which are well taken care of.
From this, we can expect that the expression of one’s environmental identity to be subject to people around him or her. If one has the habit of recycling materials while her/his friends do not, her/his motivation to sustain the behavior may be diminished due to the lack of support for her/his actions. Subsequently, that person may even stop engaging in environmentally friendly behaviors. Thus, understanding this concept of environmental social identity has implications on how to sustain this environmental identity through social interactions with people.