Final answer:
Identity continuity refers to the concept that identity remains stable over time. It is grounded in psychological continuity, where consciousness and memory are central to our sense of self. This is separate from concepts like congruence, minority group characteristics, and cognitive dissonance, which also play roles in understanding the human psyche.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the idea that identity remains relatively stable is referred to as identity continuity. This concept suggests that over time, despite changes and experiences, an individual's sense of self remains consistent. Identity continuity is linked to the philosophical views of John Locke, who defined identity on the basis of psychological continuity, emphasizing consciousness and memory as key to personal identity. According to Locke, our consciousness ties our present self to our past self, creating a continuous thread of identity despite physical changes.
When considering other questions mentioned, for example, the idea that people's perceptions about themselves should align with their actions is known as congruence. This is a fundamental concept in fields such as psychology, particularly within humanistic approaches.
Moreover, the defining feature of a minority group is not necessarily their numerical fewer numbers, but rather their lack of power. This lack of power can be in terms of political, economic, or social influence. Minority groups are often distinguished by differential treatment and the ability to control their lives.
Lastly, cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when an individual's beliefs, values, or behaviors are in conflict, leading to feelings of discomfort. This discomfort arises from the need for internal consistency, and people are motivated to reduce or eliminate it, often by changing their attitudes or behaviors to match.