So what do we mean by identity? In psychological terms personal identity may be defined as the pattern of observable or inferable attributes which identify an individual to oneself and others (Herman 1997:28). Personal identity develops as the individual passes through different growth stages, from childhood to maturity. At each stage of life, identity formation arises from the selective laying aside and taking up of elements of previous identities. These are then absorbed into a new configuration. Personal identity is something that is both particular to each individual, in that it defines the characteristics that set one apart from others as a unique being. It is also universal, in that membership of a group can only be acquired when it is recognised that certain identifiable features belonging to the individual are shared with others. Personal identity is not so much the question of "who am I?" but rather "what do I want to make of myself – and - what do I have to work with?" (Herman 1977:33) Each individual has the capacity to construct a variety of identities, depending on role and social context. It is possible to be simultaneously husband, father, friend, Englishman, Jew and Christian without too much role-confusion. Different aspects of oneÕs identity often remain implicit until called upon.