Identify how we construct identity? What elements make up identity? How do we exhibit identity?
This essay is to discuss where a person’s identity is derived from and how they portray those identities. A person’s identity cannot be defined simply by a single aspect of their lives such as religious beliefs but by a mixture of aspects and interactions that the person has. There are two theories that delve into the construction of a person’s identity; Social Identity theory and Identity theory.
Hall defines identity as sets of social expectations related to ourselves and others that (a) are grounded in the interplay between similarities and differences and (b) pertain to the personal, relational, and communal aspects of lives. (Hall, 2005, p. 102)
Chaitin defines identities as sets of meanings people hold for themselves that define “what it means” to be who they are as persons, as role occupants, and as group members. Many identities are based on people’s locations within the overall social structure and the roles that they play within the system. (Chaitin, 2004, p. 5)
Lillie defines Identity as formed through experiences of, and identification with, certain events, rituals, social institutions and symbols of culture(s) in which an individual was raised and lives. In short, identity is not a given or static; it is an evolving construction within each of us. (Lillie, 1998)
There are three different levels of identity, Personal, Relational and Communal. (Hall, 2005, p. 125) Personal Identity is understanding oneself. This is where a person sees themselves as unique and distinct from other people. Relational Identity is the interactions and relationships with others. Normal convention within communities is the relationship between students and teachers, supervisor and line worker, parent and child to name a few. There are various combinations of relationships that an individual may have within the community setting. (Hall, 2005, p. 109) Communal
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