Bridging micro, meso and macro processes in social psychology

In this chapter, we argue that a multilevel analysis of social psychological phenomena, which acknowledges cognition and behavior at macro, meso, and micro levels and the interrelations between them, is necessary. We propose a theoretical synthesis of Identity Process Theory and Social Representations Theory as one way of integrating the three prime levels of analysis and of providing an analysis that is social psychological in essence. We discuss how symbols interact with human identity in the context of the Islamic Veil and the Confederate Flag, and how human rights and duties are communicated and processed in societies. We argue that social representations, or cultural carriers, are continually being transformed, as individuals and groups compete to make their own meaning systems dominant in interpersonal, intergroup, and societal relationships.