Enhancing Identity Theory Measurement:  A Case Study in Ways to Advance the Subfield

Identity theory (IT) is a sociological theory that helps to explain how societal patterns and norms shape the ways in which people behave and make decisions. The current project presents a comprehensive exploration of IT in the context of academic conferences, shedding light on the multifaceted identities of sociologists as scholars, educators, activists, and beyond. It examines how these diverse roles intersect and influence behaviors within professional settings. The first article critiques traditional IT research's limitations and adopts a qualitative approach to more accurately capture how participants describe themselves, moving beyond the constraints of previous methodologies. The second piece investigates homophily–the tendency to associate with similar others. Focusing on minority identities in higher education, this study explores homophily across various demographics, such as race, gender, and academic rank, thus providing insights into the nuances of inequality within academic circles. The final article examines the impact of technology in academic conferences, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. It analyzes how oppressed identities leverage a conference mobile app for networking, highlighting technology's role in creating inclusive environments and enhancing connections among marginalized groups. Collectively, this dissertation offers a nuanced view of identity within the academic sphere. By challenging existing IT research paradigms, introducing innovative survey techniques, linking IT with homophily, and assessing technology's influence on conference dynamics, this work enriches our understanding of sociologists' identities and interactions. It holds significant implications for future research and the development of more equitable and inclusive sociological communities, emphasizing the complex interplay of personal and professional identities in academic settings.