Abstract

We reformulate the notion of intention from a perspective that underlines its function as a social symbol. The prevalent theories of intention assume that the forming of an intention is a crucial step in coming to initiate behavior; the stronger the intention, the more likely that a corresponding behavior will emerge. Here, in contrast to this prevalent view, we are analyzing the formation of intention as a function of the person's insecurity. The foundation of such insecurity-based intention is assumed to be the person's desire to have a firm place in the group.