The Concept of Identity
Identity or the self refers to how se see yourself
Social identity = social expectations that society attaches to our status and which we attempt to live up too such as identity of a good student requires students work hard
Social identity is the sum of all the social expectations for a person
Shaped by agents of socialisation
Both personal and social which makes it different to others and emphasis our similarities
Personal identity refers to sense of self
Social identity refers to social rules and status that society assigns to people
During socialisation, we internalise all social expectations association with social rules, so we learn how to behave and adjust social identity such as students and friends
Positive and negative experiences have an impact on identity as they change through life such as being a beloved family member
Sociologist argue that identity is imposed onto you and fixed in relation to social factors such as Gender, Age and ethnicity
Others argue it is a more active and fluid process
Construct identity using media for ideas and deciding what we want to be so transferred individual into a social being whole identity outlook, motivated and desires are shaped by society
Personal identity is adapting values, practices, desires and moral outlook and choosing how to behave
Each person performs a cultural expectation attached to what society expects
Successful or unsuccessful performance of social rules can impact your personal identity
Collective identity refers to the process of identifying with a larger social group and experiencing a sense of belonging
Bradley identified 2 types;
- Ascribed identity is acquired involuntary via birth and socialisation
- Active identities are a matter of choice
Postmodern Sociologists
Claim people are now rejecting traditional sources of identity such as shaped by social class and ethnicity in favour of hybrid identities formed by choosing mis and match styles so influences wide range of media and global sources
Young people are choosing to construct unique identities which celebrate globalisation, cultural diversity, consumerism and individuality
Critics mainstream this argument is exaggerated and that the traditional influences on identity such as Ethnicity, religion, class, masculinity and feminity
Aspects of Identity
Cultural effect on how they see themselves and how others see them
Vary in importance for different individuals such as sexuality may be more significant part of the identity of someone who is homosexual
Intersect in different ways such as identity may have more significant for women than men as looking attractive is more important