Occupational identity formation in unsaturated spaces: the layered accretion of the American astronaut's identity

How does the process of identity formation unfold in emerging occupations? While extant research has primarily focused on occupational identity formation through differentiation from other occupational groups, we theorize identity formation in occupations that emerge in unsaturated spaces, where competitive dynamics are not salient. We address this question through a qualitative historical analysis of American astronauts at the inception of Space exploration (1958-1974). Our work theorizes layered accretion as a distinct identity formation process, where the identity of a new occupation begins with the importing of an identity from an existing occupation (proto identity), its refinement through work identity alignment (core identity) and the subsequent layering of new distinct identities that are accreted on the core to become part of the occupation’s identity. We specify the mechanisms that underpin layered accretion and contribute to a deeper understanding of how multiple identities are managed in the early stages of identity formation of new occupations.