A Sense of Identity Does Matter in Achieving Relevance and Meaning in Our Work

Thomas A. Wright

Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 2010, vol. 3, issue 3, 289-292

Abstract: There was a phrase among the Boston immigrant Irish in the latter part of the 19th century that went something like this, “I shook the hand that shook the hand that shook the hand … of the Great John L ….” This saying was in reference to the strong sense of identity that the Boston Irish shared with one of the first of their very own to gain international recognition and fame: the heavyweight champion of the world (1882–1892), John L. Sullivan. Undoubtedly the first national sports hero and best-known American of his generation, John L. Sullivan represented the hopes and aspirations of the millions of Americans who identified with him (Isenberg, 1988). His widely heralded success story is credited for acting as a “tipping point” for many youth to forsake a life of crime.

Date: 2010
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