A surreal illustration symbolizing the ongoing negotiation of identities within a community of practice.

Unlocking Your Potential: How Communities of Practice Shape Identity and Growth

Samir D’Costa in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into the world of identity (re)negotiation and discover how participating in diverse communities can transform who you are and what you can achieve."

Ever feel like you're wearing different hats depending on the company you keep? That's because our identities aren't fixed; they're constantly being shaped by the communities we participate in. From the workplace to online groups, these 'communities of practice' play a powerful role in who we become.

Think of Alice in Wonderland. When Alice falls into the rabbit hole and lands in a strange land, she finds herself. Immersed in a community with talking animals and bizarre rules, Alice is forced to question who she is and adapt to her new environment. The same happens in our everyday lives. When we are introduced to a new community, we begin to create new identities for ourselves.

This article explores the fascinating process of identity (re)negotiation within diverse communities. Drawing on the work of theorist Etienne Wenger and inspired by Lewis Carroll's whimsical world, we'll uncover how participation, shared goals, and social interaction shape our ever-evolving selves.

What are Communities of Practice and How Do They Shape Us?

A surreal illustration symbolizing the ongoing negotiation of identities within a community of practice.

Etienne Wenger's concept of 'communities of practice' offers a framework for understanding how our identities are formed through social engagement. A community of practice isn't just any group; it's a collection of individuals who share a common interest, passion, or profession, and who learn from each other through regular interaction.

Wenger identifies three key elements that define a community of practice:

Mutual Engagement: This refers to the relationships and interactions among members. It’s the social experience of participating, whether through collaboration, debate, or even disagreement.
Joint Enterprise: Members are united by a shared goal or purpose. This isn't necessarily a formal mission statement, but rather a collective understanding of what they're trying to achieve together.
Shared Repertoire: This encompasses the common resources, tools, language, and practices that the community develops over time. It's the shared knowledge and understanding that allows members to communicate and collaborate effectively.

When these three elements combine, a powerful dynamic is created. As we participate in a community of practice, we negotiate our identities, constructing a sense of self that is both individual and collective. We learn from others, contribute our own expertise, and evolve as members of the group.

Embracing the Ever-Changing Self

Our identities are not fixed destinations, but continuous journeys shaped by the communities we embrace. By understanding how these communities of practice work, we can become more aware of the forces shaping our sense of self and consciously choose the communities that foster our growth and fulfillment. So, dive in, engage, and discover the ever-evolving you!

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1983-21172017190134, Alternate LINK

Title: Parecia Mesmo Um Grupo Estrambótico: (Re)Negociações Identitárias Na Participação Em Comunidades De Prática

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Ensaio Pesquisa em Educação em Ciências (Belo Horizonte)

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Patrícia Petitinga Silva, Andréia Maria Pereira De Oliveira, Elizeu Clementino De Souza

Published: 2017-12-18

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are 'communities of practice,' and how do they contribute to shaping who we become?

Communities of practice, as defined by Etienne Wenger, are groups of people who share a common interest, passion, or profession. What distinguishes them is that members learn from each other through ongoing interaction. This learning and sharing shapes the identities of the individuals within the community, influencing how they see themselves and their capabilities. It's through this social engagement within the community of practice that our identities are constantly negotiated and refined.

What are the crucial elements that define a community of practice according to Etienne Wenger's framework?

The three core elements of a community of practice, according to Etienne Wenger, are mutual engagement, joint enterprise, and shared repertoire. Mutual engagement encompasses the interactions and relationships among members. Joint enterprise unites members through a shared goal or purpose. Shared repertoire includes the common resources, language, and practices developed by the community. The interplay of these three elements is what fosters the dynamic environment where learning and identity negotiation occur.

What is identity (re)negotiation, and how does it play out within the dynamic of different communities of practice?

Identity (re)negotiation occurs as individuals engage within various communities, rethinking their roles and sense of self. This process is dynamic, influenced by interactions, shared goals, and the collective knowledge within the community of practice. As people participate, they learn new things, contribute their own expertise, and adapt their understanding of who they are in relation to the group and its objectives, leading to a constantly evolving sense of self.

What is 'shared repertoire' in the context of communities of practice, and why is it considered such a fundamental aspect?

Shared repertoire within communities of practice refers to the collective resources, tools, language, and practices that members develop and utilize over time. These shared elements are critical for effective communication and collaboration. This also facilitates the transmission of knowledge, the development of common understandings, and the ability of members to work together towards their shared goals. The shared repertoire reflects the community's accumulated wisdom and expertise.

Does the concept of 'communities of practice' offer specific guidance on conflict resolution or governance within these groups?

The concept of 'communities of practice,' doesn't explicitly focus on conflict resolution or governance. While these communities inherently involve social interaction and collaboration, the core emphasis is on shared learning, identity formation, and the development of a shared repertoire. Effective conflict resolution and clear governance structures can certainly contribute to the health and productivity of a community of practice, but they are not defined as necessary or central elements within Etienne Wenger's framework. These are more relevant to formal organizations rather than these informal communities of practice.