Identity

Types of identity

• personal identity- Individual traits and personality

• Social identity- Linked to group membership (gender, ethnicity)

• Cultural identity- Shared culture or heritage

• Hybrid identity- Mixture of different influences

Factors that shape identity

• Gender- Feminists argue identity is shaped by patriarchal norms

• Ethnicity- Religion, language and tradition influence identity

• Class- Working class vs Middle class lifestyle

• Nationality- Cultural symbols (monarchy, language)

• Media- Postmodernists see media as central to identity creation

Key theorists

Giddens- Identity is a project that we build over time

Hall- Cultural identity is not fixed, its constantly evolving

Mead- Identity is shaped through interactions