Analysis

Abstract

I analyze the findings of my qualitative study and synthesize them with the conceptual framework and existing research. In this context, I highlight implications of the qualitative approach for implementation and analysis, as social identity theory is usually associated with experiments. I analyze the data originating both from my study and existing research using a phenomenological approach. The structure of this chapter is inspired by existing research which in turn is reflected in the interview guideline. Social identity themes comprise personal experience, family history, relationships, language, stereotypes as well as religion and cultural aspects. From the data analysis, several themes point to a new facet of social identity theory, which can only be identified by means of qualitative research. This is in-group re-definition as a new means of social creativity. I depict and visualize the lines of arguments from several examples, like the replacement of the given Muslim-Christian antagonism with an own ‘hypocrite versus atheist’ self-concept. Another participant-defined in-group consists of successful migrants in Germany, thus taking Turkish ethnos out of the consideration. Financial investment decisions are predominantly a family affair, with young and financially literate family members influencing or even managing their parents’ financial investments.