The purpose of this study was to investigate the social identification process through the analysis of the Social Representations of Capixaba and State of Espírito Santo to dwellers of that territory. The participants were 60 people who were born and were currently living in the State, (18 to 64 years old). Data from the technique of free association and questions regarding the relation individual-territory were organized, respectively, through EVOC and Content Analysis. The State was represented by traditional symbols and elements that strengthen a positive image and the representations of Capixaba expresses the relationship between the individuals with the local history and culture, holding ambiguities that indicate the recent construction of a social identity associated with this territory. It is discussed the representational field and the identification dynamic as processes that objectify the construction of meanings that give the territorial sphere the symbolic dimension of belonging to the capixaba social group.
capixaba; Espirito Santo State; social identity; social representation
