Week 1 and 2 - Self and Identity

Nature

Genetics, biology, physiology and heraldry. Nature deals with the scientific part of the self. What we are born with and what objective observations there are. What we are told we are.

Heredity

Transmission of traits and characteristics from a generation to another.

Characterization

Similarities and differences of organisms.

Nurture

Environment and beliefs. The outcome of various nurturing factors in the context of one’s social life. It is the exposure, influence, indoctrination and environment that molds one’s personality and perceptions, as well as their own decisions and beliefs. It is the environment and what it makes of us.

Identity

It is how others perceive us. The qualities, beliefs, experiences and memories that make a particular person or group unique from others.

Self

It is how we perceive ourselves. The person that someone normally or truly is. The entire person of an individual. This is composed of our identity and our genetics. It’s a combination of our growth and our nature.

Social Factors

Refers to the influences of significant people in a person’s life. Includes family, peer groups, organizations, institutions, and other significant and prevalent individuals in a person’s life.

Environmental Factors

Broadly includes the physical and communal elements present in our everyday surroundings, and is invariably dealt with by individuals in a specific geographic region or area. Includes Norms, Climate, Culture, Tradition, and Expectation.

Hereditary Factors

A biological process by which certain traits and characteristics are passed from one generation to another. Includes Physical Attributes, Cognitive Traits, and DNA.

Personal Volition Factor

The inclination of a person to form and construct a specific identity which will set one apart compared to others. Such a factor emanates from within the mentality of an individual but also brought about by the social-life experiences. Includes Self-Identification, Self-Decisions and Personal Commitments