The Question of Identity Structure

The Question of Identity Structure is a stimulating collection of articles discussing the construct of structure and the ways in which it can be considered suitable for understanding Marcia's identity status paradigm in particular and identity formation more generally. Drawing on Kohlberg's distinction between "hard" and "soft" stage developmental models, Kroger proposes that Marcia's identity status paradigm represents an example of soft-stage development in the first article. All of these other contributors disagree with Kroger's intent to pursue a "soft-stage" developmental strategy with regard to identity paradigm and their replies make up the middle section of the special issue. Kroger's reply to her colleagues completes this volume.