Abstract

A case study of social identity is analyzed, the Magallanic identity, to discover the elements that are important for the social identity theory in general, as well as the distinctive qualities and meanings of this particular regional identity. Research was conducted on a representative sample of the region's university student population, because they are most likely to lead future processes of regional identity strengthening. The psychosocial correlates, intensity, and meanings of this identity are described to assess: the extent to which an external social category, such as the region of birth, has been assumed by the participants and incorporated into their self-concept; which are the images and values associated to this sense of belongingness; and its association to other important variables, paying special attention to how it relates to national identity. This enables us respond to some of the concerns about difficulties of Chilean decentralization process, related to the risk of a decline in national unity, and the heightening of inter-group discrimination associated to a potential strengthening of the regional identities.