2.4 identity: age, ethnicity, nationality, class

AQA A-Level Sociology – Culture & IdentityIdentity and Age, Ethnicity, Nationality & Social Class Notes

1. Identity and AgeKey idea

Age is both:

• Biological (people physically age)

• Socially constructed (society gives meanings to different ages)

Different ages come with:

• expectations

• rights

• responsibilities

• stereotypes

Examples:

• driving age

• voting age

• drinking age

• retirement age

Age and Socialisation

People from different generations develop different identities because they are socialised differently.

Examples

Older generations:

• more traditional values

• more conservative voting patterns

Younger generations:

• more liberal attitudes

• more likely to support social change

Mannheim

• Generational differences come from growing up during different historical events.

• Shared experiences create a “generation identity”.

Examples:

• Brexit generation

• social media generation

Labelling and StereotypesYouth stereotypes

Young people are often represented as:

• dangerous

• lazy

• rebellious

• involved in crime

This can create:

• moral panics

• negative labels

Older people stereotypes

Older people may be seen as:

• weak

• dependent

• technologically incapable

AgeismDefinition

Discrimination based on age.

Examples:

• employers preferring younger workers

• assumptions older people are less capable

Marxist view on ageing

Marxists argue old people may be devalued because:

• they stop contributing economically

• capitalism values productivity and profit

Interactionism and Age

Age identities are shaped through interaction with others.

Goffman

People perform different roles depending on context:

• “front stage”

• “back stage”

2. Identity and EthnicityEthnicity

Ethnicity refers to:

• shared culture

• language

• religion

• traditions

• customs

• heritage

Difference between race and ethnicity

• Race = physical characteristics

• Ethnicity = cultural characteristics

Ethnicity and Identity

Ethnicity can be a major source of identity, especially for minority groups.

UK diversity

Post-WW2 immigration increased ethnic diversity in the UK.

Examples:

• Indian communities

• Jamaican communities

• Pakistani communities

Primary Socialisation and Ethnicity

Families pass on:

• language

• religion

• traditions

• values

This helps shape ethnic identity.

Examples:

• food

• clothing

• religious practices

Secondary Socialisation and Ethnicity

Schools, peers and media also shape ethnic identity.

Sewell

Studied African-Caribbean boys:

• some formed anti-school subcultures

• media and peer groups influenced identity

Generational ConflictRosemary Hill

Young ethnic minority people may experience conflict between:

• family expectations

• wider British culture

Modood

Later generations of immigrants often:

• feel more British

• combine identities

Examples:

• British Asian

• Black British

Religion and Ethnicity

Religion is often closely linked to ethnicity.

Example:

• British Muslims may identify strongly with religion as well as ethnicity.

Stuart Hall

Hall argued ethnic identities are influenced by:

• racism

• exclusion

• media stereotypes

Some minority groups develop stronger ethnic identities in response.

Hybrid Identities

Globalisation has led to mixed or hybrid identities.

Examples:

• British Asian

• Black British

People combine:

• family culture

• British culture

3. Identity and NationalityNationality

Nationality refers to belonging to a nation/state.

Examples:

• British

• French

• Irish

National Identity

National identity is created through:

• education

• media

• traditions

• national events

• sport

Examples:

• flags

• royal events

• remembrance ceremonies

Functionalist view

National identity promotes:

• social cohesion

• unity

• shared values

Parsons

Shared national values help society function smoothly.

Globalisation and National Identity

Globalisation may weaken national identity because:

• cultures mix more

• international communication increases

• migration increases

However, nationalism can also become stronger in reaction to globalisation.

Xenophobia

Fear or dislike of foreigners.

Can increase nationalism.

4. Identity and Social ClassSocial Class

Social class refers to groups with similar:

• wealth

• status

• power

Marxism and Class IdentityMarx’s two classesBourgeoisie

• ruling class

• own means of production

• exploit workers for profit

Proletariat

• working class

• sell labour for wages

False Class Consciousness

Workers may not realise they are exploited because ideology hides inequality.

Neo-MarxismBourdieu – Cultural Capital

Middle-class people possess:

• knowledge

• skills

• tastes

• behaviours

These help them succeed in education and work.

Examples:

• language style

• confidence

• familiarity with high culture

Habitus

Bourdieu:

• people develop habits and attitudes from upbringing/social class.

Bernstein – Language CodesElaborated code

• complex language

• used more by middle class

Restricted code

• simpler language

• used more by working class

Schools favour elaborated code.

Cultural Deprivation

Some sociologists argue working-class children underachieve because they lack:

• educational support

• cultural capital

Postmodernism and Class Identity

Postmodernists argue class is less important today because:

• identities are fragmented

• consumption matters more than work

• people express identity through lifestyle and choice

Examples:

• fashion

• music

• social media

Saunders

Modern society is now more meritocratic:

• class matters less

• opportunities are more equal

Harriet Bradley – Fractured Identities

Identity is made from many overlapping factors:

• class

• gender

• ethnicity

• age

No single identity is always the most important.

Key Sociologists to Remember

Important Evaluation PointsAgainst ethnicity/class being most important

• Identities are now mixed and fluid.

• Globalisation creates hybrid identities.

• People have multiple identities simultaneously.

Postmodernist evaluation

Identity today is:

• fragmented

• chosen

• based on lifestyle rather than class alone.

Possible Exam Questions10 Markers

• Analyse two ways primary socialisation affects ethnic identity.

• Analyse two criticisms of class being the most important identity.

20 Markers

• Evaluate whether ethnicity is the most important influence on identity.

• Evaluate whether social class is declining in importance.

Quick Definitions