Triple-i Identity Handout

Identity

  • Definition: A deeply complicated concept, reflecting both individuality and community connections.

  • Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives:

    • Psychologists focus on individual aspects of identity.

    • Social scientists analyze community-rooted identities.

  • Dual Nature:

    • Identity is both self-ascribed and externally ascribed.

    • External labels can significantly influence self-perception.

  • Fluidity:

    • Identity is dynamic, evolving over time and context.

  • Internal Narratives:

    • People construct narratives that shape biases and perspectives.

Components of Identity

  • Five Basic Categories:

    • Shared Experience:

      • Common narratives impacting worldview (e.g., regional backgrounds, significant life experiences).

    • Roles and Titles:

      • Positions relative to others (e.g., oldest sibling, community leader, volunteer).

    • Values and Passions:

      • Ethics and interests guiding behavior (e.g., integrity, humanitarianism).

    • Innate Qualities:

      • Unique characteristics identified through assessments (e.g., introversion, personality types).

    • Socio-Political Identities:

      • Socially constructed categories influencing status and opportunities (e.g., race, sexual orientation).

  • Interconnectedness:

    • Identities influence each other (e.g., religion shaping values).

Socio-Political Identities

  • Importance:

    • More influential in shaping power dynamics among individuals.

  • Definition:

    • Identifications based on physical, social, or mental characteristics; can be self-ascribed or externally assigned.

  • Categories:

    • Race (e.g., Asian, Black, White)

    • Ethnicity (e.g., Italian, Korean)

    • Gender (e.g., male, female, non-binary)

    • Sexual Orientation (e.g., heterosexual, bisexual)

    • Nationality (e.g., American, Honduran)

    • Primary Language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic)

    • Regional/Political Affiliation (e.g., Midwestern, European)

    • Religion (e.g., Christian, Buddhist)

    • Social Class (e.g., working-class, elite)

    • Education Level (e.g., GED, college)

    • Age (e.g., child, senior)

    • Ability (e.g., able-bodied, disabled)

    • Appearance (e.g., tall, attractive)

Intersectionality

  • Definition:

    • Recognition that different identity aspects do not exist in isolation, leading to complex systems of advantage or disadvantage.

  • Understanding:

    • Intersectionality helps elucidate layers of privilege and oppression individuals face.

    • Example: Wage disparities illustrated by racial and gender identities (e.g., Black men, Black women).

  • Awareness Importance:

    • Recognizing how identities impact life experiences fosters empathy and collective responsibility for social equity.

    • Understanding how systemic inequities affect health and well-being.