Aggressive behaviour seems to be an extensive and severe problem negatively affecting both the victims and the offenders. Many factors affect aggression. In this study, one factor was examined: self-identity, in relation to societal strain and emotions. The study aims to explore the relations between self-identity (what do we think we are) societal strain and emotions with aggression. A theoretical exploration of the importance of self-identity in relation to aggressiveness and more specifically, explore the significance of additional concepts as a potential marker for the predisposition to aggressiveness. Also, verifying if these concepts are a stronger contributor than obstructor to aggressiveness. Evidence from interdisciplinary literature is used to answer the questions in this degree project. This thesis is based on a set of relevant scientific papers. Two theories, General Strain theory and Self-Control/bond theory, contrasted with the idea of self-identity. Findings - Self-identity influences the performance of an individual in everyday scenarios. Not being able to obtain a goal and improve our social status, can result in a higher probability of looking for illegal options. Further, there is a difference in the way emotions affect aggressive conduct and the way this conduct is expressed between genders. Finally, one's self-identity seems to be a relevant marker for the predisposition to aggressiveness. This thesis provides insights to some of the most important markers for the predisposition to aggressiveness in society.

Since 2008 with the Russo-Georgian war we observe the gradual deterioration of relations between Russia and the European Union which achieves its apogee during the Ukrainian crisis and the annexation of Crimea. The cultural approach is to be applied for understanding and exploration of the conflict: its reasons and mechanism. The work is aimed to define conflicting beliefs and values, considering them on a cultural basis. The current escalation of relationships is reviewed as a cultural conflict, the author claims different mentality as one of the influential factors and possible dimensions of conflict analysis. This work also points out internal cultural mechanisms and features provoking aggressive external policy and considers cultural identity as a container of ideas which justify and originate opposition and conflict with other cultures. This work is an attempt to introduce a concept of an individual's mentality, to link personal and group mentality and find out how cultural meaning content influences on formation of a personal mindset - a system of personal beliefs and values. Research part consists of preliminary comparative questionnaire-based survey with 30 respondents, secondary analysis of World Value Survey, and 10 depth interviews based on 3 survey questions, analyzed by means of mental...

Sedan covid-19-pandemins inträde i Sverige i mars år 2020 har vi uppmanats att hålla avstånd till varandra, och framförallt i början av pandemin betonades att den äldre befolkningen inte borde träffa människor utanför det egna hushållet om inte avståndet gick att säkerställa. Goda intentioner kan därför beskrivas ha utmynnat i negativa konsekvenser för denna del av befolkningen, delvis orsakade av att många äldre tvingats ändra livsstil. Syftet med denna studie är därför att med utgångspunkt i begreppen livsstil och självidentitet reflektera kring de äldres sätt att leva sina liv under covid-19-pandemin. Anthony Giddens (2014) menar att vår livsstil utgör en berättelse om vår självidentitet och berör själva kärnan av vårt jag, och det är också denna förståelse av begreppen som utgör den teoretiska referensramen. Semistrukturerade intervjuer med sju personer i åldrarna 70 år och uppåt visar att de äldres livsstil utmanas på många sätt och i synnerhet deras sociala livsstil. Särskilda prövningar uppstår för dem som inte träffar sina närstående fysiskt men de har alla hittat alternativa sätt att umgås. Somliga har dock valt att fortsätta träffa andra i en liknande utsträckning som tidigare men livsstilen har ändå utmanats på grund av inställda aktiviteter och framförallt för att många upplever att deras val inte uppskattas av omgivningen. Trots att de hanterat utmaningarna olika visar resultatet att detta är trygga individer och att deras sätt att leva under pandemin kan beskrivas styrka deras självidentitet vilket gör att denna vilar på en stabil grund. / Since the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden in March 2020, there has been a request of maintaining a social distance between one another in society. Especially in the beginning of the pandemic it was emphasized that elder people should limit the number of interactions and keep a safe distance. However, good intentions may have turned out into negative consequences for the elderly, partly caused by having been forced to a change of lifestyle. The aim of this study is consequently to reflect the lives of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the concepts lifestyle and self identity. Anthony Giddens (2014) claims that our lifestyle represents a story about our self identity and that it touches the core of our own self, and his understanding of the concepts constitutes the theoretical frame of reference. Semi-structured interviews have shown how seven informers, aged 70 and older, express how lifestyles of the elderly have been challenged in many ways during the pandemic. Special trials arise for the ones that are not seeing others like they used to but they have all found alternative ways of interacting. However, some of the elderly have chosen to continue to interact like they used to but their lifestyle has still been challenged caused to cancelled activities, and above all because many of them feel that their choise to do so is not appreciated by the environment. Even though they are handling the challenges differently, the results show that they all are confident individuals and that their way of living during the pandemic even can strengthen their self identity.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Tattoos, a permanent body modification that has frequently been associated with deviance and lower class sub-cultures, have become increasingly popular in the United States since the early 1990’s. In my thesis I examine the shared worldviews of individuals who obtain tattoos by conducting an analysis of six internet communities that promote this sub-culture in order to understand how cultural influences provide the impetus to create self-identity through inscribing the body. I will argue that individuals who commit to a permanent tattoo may be motivated by the need to create self identity.

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Motel life has existed in the United States for over 100 years. However, it was not until the HEARTH Act in 2009 changed the federal definition of homelessness that those who live in motels more or less permanently were considered homeless persons. This project utilizes qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 18 families with children who are living in motels to explore their experiences with motel life and social service providers, their housing identity, and identity management strategies. Findings show that most of the motel residents did not identify with the conventional definition or image of homelessness and instead negotiated the term to fit their situation. Although they did not initially self-identify as homeless, when discussing policy recommendations all participants adopted a homeless social-identity (i.e., they identified as members of the homeless social category). As members of the homeless community, the participants agreed that homeless families in the area needed more attention and assistance. Participants were aware that outsiders would view them as homeless and during their interviews several identity management strategies were used. Motel residents described a hierarchy of homelessness and placed themselves at the top of it, perceiving themselves to be better people than even other motel residents. The identity management strategies employed by the participants were meant to show how they were good people who were just stuck in a motel because of circumstances outside of their control and how they were deserving of assistance to help their families move out of the motel and obtain adequate, permanent housing.

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