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Outline of social identity theory
Outline of social identity theory
Intro to sociology chapter 3 socialization
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Sociologist Robert van Krieken (2005) says that our identity is the constellation of characteristics that we may regard as part of our “self”, including the way we present ourselves to others. Respond to this statement by exploring this idea from the viewpoint of socialisation. To support your argument, your response must include the analysis of at least two specific examples related to either or both culture and identity. A sociological approach to selfhood and identity begins with the assumption that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society (Stryker, 1980). Because the self emerges in social interaction within the context of a complex, organised, differentiated society, it has been argued that the self must be complex, organised and differentiated as well, reflecting the dictum that the “self reflects society” (Stryker, 1980). The self reflects society or identity construction idea is substantiated in James’ (1890) notion that there are as many different selves as there are different positions that one holds in society and thus different groups who respond to...
Taylor, S. (2009) ‘Who We Think We Are? Identities in Everyday life’, in Taylor, S., Hinchliffe, S., Clarke, J. and Bromley, S. (eds), Making Social Lives, Milton Keynes, The Open University.
In a world of increasing globalisation, contemporary society experiences change at a rate so rapid that it is essential that one becomes easily adaptable to keep up and survive. Such unprecedented speed of transformation thus affects and challenges how institutions work, and more importantly (for the scope of this essay) how we perceive ourselves. Ulrich Beck is a contemporary sociologist whose work examines this changing relationship between the modernisation of self and society. He speaks of the concept of a second modernity and how the shift from the first to this current epoch of second modernity has produced changes in social structures thus resulting in the concepts of reflexive modernity and individualisation (Atkinson 2007; Beck 2007; Lewis 2006). Hence, this essay will discuss how reflexive modernity and individualisation contributes to an understanding of selfhood by also exploring the concept of a risk society under Beck’s temporal concept of second modernity. These concepts are crucial in understanding how Beck formulates selfhood in contemporary society. This essay will also explore counter-arguments to Beck’s theory of individualisation that discredits the concept of social institutions when constructing selfhood.
The development and performance of identity has intrigued researchers from all disciplines. The Self and being have been conceptualized and investigated from varying points of view. Goffman and Butler have created frames through which performance of the self can be comprehended. (Goffman, 1959) brings forth the frame of “impression management” and Butler discusses “performative identity” (Butler, 1990). Impression management explains how people alter their presentation of the self to fit social contexts and mentions how social interactions can reshape an individuals sense of identity. Whereas performative identity claims that one’s identity is constructed discursively and that individuals perform according to
Identity is very important in a person’s life. It can induce pride or shame, provide a community or provide a way to distinguish one’s self from others. But, where does this identity come from? It is easy to assume we are who we are because of who raised us, but this is not the entire case. Andrew Solomon, author of “Far from the Tree” introduced two different forms of identity, vertical and horizontal. He defines vertical identity as the attributes acquired and shared by the people we are raised by and horizontal identity as the attributes different from those who raised us, but are shared and acquired through a peer community. These two types of identities generally do not intersect and, depending on the circumstance, one can greatly impact
The question ‘who am I?’ raises speculations about who we are as human beings and why we behave the way we do. This is of great interest to social psychologists. One particular theory about this social identity is that it is not fixed or innate but that it is something that changes over time and is constructed through our social interactions with other people. This essay will explicate the idea of socially constructed identities and consider the evidence for and against this view with examples of research studies from both social constructionism (Phoenix, 2007) and Social Identity Theory (SIT) (Turner and Brown, 1978).
“A human being’s sense of self is established in the context of their ethics and morals. The concept of identity is related to ‘who I am’. Individuals situate themselves in a contextual environment that may include their relationships with family and friends, and their abilities and the occupations in which they are, or have been. This identifies what is ultimately important to an individual and how that relates to where their identity is in relation to this.” (Thomas, 2013)
In the Social Identity Theory(SIT), TT, looked at inter groups relations from an identity perspective. They claimed, layered on top, beside and underneath inter group conflict is identity issues. Therefore, group identity becomes a psychological engine that allows us to understand how group conflict emerges. In this essay I will focus on 3 concepts SIT suggests. The first social comparison and distinctiveness are concepts which give insights about person’s psychology in his group’s affect on it. For gay people, it is obvious that they are not in a helathy place with these 2 concepts. After I talk about instability which is a cognitive alternative that shows gays that their relative position in the society can be changed. Later, I talk about 5 stage model which incorporates macro and micro to explain intergroup relations. I
—. Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1989.
Authors are frequently categorized in some ways by the particular era they are writing in. This often gives a sense of what message the speaker is trying to relay, and the context in which the author is writing. Addressing the issue of self identity through this context allows a
Many philosophers and psychologist from Jean Piaget to William James have theorized what makes a person who they are, their identity. Jean Piaget believed that the identity is formed in the sensorimotor stage and the preoperational stage. This means that a child is forming his identity as late to the age of seven (Schellenberg, 29) However, identity is strongly impacted by society such as school, church, government,and other institutions. Through our interactions with different situations our personality develops (Schellenberg 34). "In most situations there is a more diversified opportunity for the development of social identities, reflecting what the individual wants to put forth to define the self as well as what others want to accept,"(Schellenberg 35). Therefore, humans, much like animals, adapt to different situations based on who they are with. Individuals are always changi...
When we think about our identity we often think about the way we look. Such features as hair color, eye color, skin tone, height and weight come to mind. Whilst these features are part of our identity, there are many more complex factors that make us who we are. Whilst psychological issues are paramount to the formation of our identity, I will be addressing the nature of our identity in relation to socio-cultural factors (Austin, 2002, p.9). During the course of this essay I will be discussing the term of Identity and some of the axes of identity, including Race, Class and Gender. It is important to understand some of the significant issues of identity so that we have more of an understanding of who and what we are, which in turn may help us to begin to better understand others.
The social identity theory is a person’s sense of who they are based on their social
Thus, it can be said that, identity is central; almost core to individuals and their sense of connectedness to themselves and the society-scope they engage in. Kriesberg examines how there is a formation of not only one's own, but also a sense of identity of the other, which further reinforces the self. Though identities can be both 'ascribed' a...
While balancing Indian, Japanese, and American cultures has been difficult, it’s driven my ever-growing understanding of multiculturalism and the significance of social identities in shaping one's self-image. My life-long experience enables me to understand the impact of social identity on the way patients view and receive healthcare. I believe this is an important tool in understanding and communicating with diverse populations that I eventually hope to serve. Temple’s MD program, specifically its commitment to service and public health, provides an excellent platform for me to utilize my perspective and build upon my Global Health minor in an effective and impactful way. I am especially excited to apply my communication skills to better understand
Social identity theory proposed by Henri Tajfel and later developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1971. The theory is to understand intergroup relations and group processes. Social identity theory suggests that the self-concept is based on knowledge of our membership to one or more social groups; people enhance their self-esteem, which can also be boosted by personal achievement and affiliation with successful groups, in attempt to improve their self-image, which is based on personal identity or various social identities.