Identity

Question 1

What is identity?

Answer 1

How you see yourself, and how others see you (Jenkins)

Question 2

What 2 factors does identity consist of?

Answer 2

• Self identity
• Social identity

Question 3

How is identity formed?

Answer 3

By making comparisons between individuals and groups to establish similarities and differences

Question 4

What are some examples of shared identity?

Answer 4

• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Age
• Social class
• Disability
• Hobbies
• Roles

Question 5

What are some examples of personal identity?

Answer 5

• Name
• Hair colour
• Eye colour
• Passport
• Thumbprint

Question 6

What is identity shaped by?

Answer 6

Consumerism (media helps us to construct our identity)

Question 7

What do postmodernists say about identity?

Answer 7

We can exercise agency in the construction of our identity. Baudrillard says we live in a ‘media saturated society’. Taylor says we can shop at the ‘supermarket of style’. We can ‘pick n mix’ our identity

Question 8

What does Bradley say about active and passive identities?

Answer 8

Passive= an identity in which we are born or socialised into (e.g. ethnicity)
Active= aspects of one’s identity that they may choose to pursue (e.g. hobbies, dress)

Question 9

What are the 7 examples of identity?

Answer 9

• Personal
• Self
• Social
• Shared
• Individual
• Active
• Passive

Question 10

What does Woodward say about identity?

Answer 10

Structure vs action debate=
- Individuals have some choice in the construction of their identities BUT there are some restraints and constrains placed upon them