Experimental and survey research shows that a common group membership can result in increased levels of social support. Here we complement such research with qualitative data concerning the forms and function of such support. Specifically, we explore the mutual support reported by pilgrims undertaking the Hajj. This requires participants enact a series of identity‐related beliefs and values (including specific rituals) in conditions that are practically and psychologically challenging. Using data obtained through semi‐structured interviews (N = 33), we investigate how participants' shared identity facilitated their behavioural enactment of these identity‐defining beliefs and values. We focus on how their shared understanding of their beliefs and values as Hajj pilgrims allowed various forms of support (psychological, material, informational, and behavioural) which helped participants translate their identity‐related ideals into behaviour. Our analysis implies that a shared identity provides a frame of reference with which group members can recognize each other's identity‐related concerns and what they need in order to enact their identity. In turn, it implies that in situations where there are practical and psychological constraints on behaviour, action in terms of one's social identity can be conceptualized as a joint accomplishment in which the mutual support of group members is key.

中文翻译：

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身份塑造作为一项社会成就：朝觐朝觐者之间共享身份并相互支持


实验和调查研究表明，共同的群体成员身份可以提高社会支持水平。在这里，我们用有关此类支持的形式和功能的定性数据来补充此类研究。具体来说，我们探讨了参加朝觐的朝圣者所报告的相互支持。这要求参与者在实践和心理上具有挑战性的条件下制定一系列与身份相关的信仰和价值观（包括特定的仪式）。使用通过半结构化访谈（N = 33）获得的数据，我们调查了参与者的共同身份如何促进他们对这些身份定义信念和价值观的行为制定。我们重点关注他们作为朝觐者对信仰和价值观的共同理解如何提供各种形式的支持（心理、物质、信息和行为），帮助参与者将与身份相关的理想转化为行为。我们的分析表明，共享身份提供了一个参考框架，团体成员可以通过该框架认识到彼此与身份相关的问题以及他们需要什么来实现自己的身份。反过来，它意味着在行为受到实际和心理约束的情况下，根据一个人的社会身份采取的行动可以被概念化为一项共同成就，其中群体成员的相互支持是关键。