Strong And Weak Identifiers

A social identity forms when “an individual ties his or her self-concept to a collective or role” (Ashforth, Harrison, & Corley, 2008). A social identity is one that is shared by members and distinguished by groups, and members define themselves and enable others to define them based on the groups to which they belong (Miscenko & Day, 2015). A person’s social identity relates to their sense of self-worth, as “people attach positive value to their identities” (Miscenko & Day, 2015). An individual uses their social identity to affirm their self-concept through their social peers, seeking confirmation by “expressing identity relevant behavior central to role definition” (Miscenko & Day, 2015). Social identities are also used for self-enhancement by confirming both “positive and negative aspects of identity” and “striving to promote only

The Social Identity theory (SIT) was proposed by Henry Tajfel. It was then later developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1971 to help them understand inter group relations. The Social Identity theory assumes that individuals strive to improve their self-image by trying to enhance their self-esteem, through social (in and out groups) and personal identities. There are 4 main concepts within the social identity theory all of which will be discussed in the essay.

Ethnic identity is the sum total of group member feelings about those values, symbols, and common histories that identify them as a distinct group (Smith 1991). Development of ethnic identity is important because it helps one to come to terms with their ethnic membership as a prominent reference group and significant part of an individuals overall identity. Ethnic reference group refers to an individuals psychological relatedness to groups (Smith 1991). These reference groups help adolescents sense, reflect and see things from the point of their ethnic groups in which they actively participate or seek to participate.

As previously stated in this paper, forming cultural identity may be more complicated today than ever. However, it is a critical part of a total structure of collective and individual identity. Based on the text, models of ethnic and cultural identity have increased dramatically over the last few decades. Today, most ethnic groups are accepting the fact that the United States is the most ethically diverse place to live and to raise a

Ethnic Identity Development emphasizes values of their culture through family and community. Individuals identities are established through experiences with “religion, geography, language and kinship” (Chavez). These model describes the similarities between an individual and the ethnic group they identify

Social identity theory states that the ‘in-group’ will discriminate against the ‘out-group’ and show favouritism towards their group to boost their self-esteem. Tajfel also proposed that there are 3 mental processes involved in putting people in to the ‘us’ and ‘them’ groups: social categorisation (putting objects in order to understand them), social identification (adopting the identity of the group we categorised ourselves as belonging to) and social comparison (showing favouritism towards the ‘in group’ and hostility towards the ‘out group’; comparing them).

However, it isn’t that way in real life. Social groups have a hierarchical power structure depending on where in the world you are. For example, if you are a black person you are likely to have a 10% longer sentencing for the same crime committed by a white person (Rehavi & Starr, 2012). With this being said, creating a strong group identity can help minorities feel more comfortable with their minority identity. A healthy connection to a group identity is crucial for developing a healthy individual identity because it helps individuals connect with the world around them and decide how they fit in the world. According to Martin and Nakayama the stages of minority identity development is as follows: 1) Unexamined identity, 2) Conformity, 3) Resistance and Separatism, and 4) Integration (Martin & Nakayama,

“We are not born knowing who we are or what our place is in the social landscape; we learn to be American or Japanese, male or female, husband or wife, or Amy, Richard, Micheal, Rachel, or Rebecca.” Our identities are constructed by this “social landscape”. The social construction of identity takes place by living life through first hand experiences and through certain social circumstances. Amartya Sen says,” Classification is certainely cheap, but identity is not. More interestingly, whether a particular classification can plausibly generate a sense of identity or not must depend on the social circumstances.” Identity is a complex matter but can be defined in simple terms. It is who you are. Your personality, the way you act in response to

Group members must build mutual respect for and trust and confidence in one another, so that “feel free to express opinions, test ideas, and ask for, or offer help when it is needed” (Smith, 1983).

Tajfel (1981) described ethnic identity as part of an individual’s self-concept developed from knowledge of membership in a cultural group and the value or emotional significance attached to that membership. Ethnic identity content has been defined as “the actual ethnic behaviors that individuals practice, along with their attitudes toward their ethnic group” (Phinney, 1993, p. 64). Charlesworth (2000) maintained ethnic identity development to be an essential human need that provided a sense of belonging and historical continuity and created a foundation on which to build a concept of self.

Society has played a dominant role for the personal identity of an individual based on where they are from or the culture they were raised with in. With an individual’s identity, one may encounter struggles or challenges. Based on where a person is from or their physical appearance, they may experience discrimination or prejudices in various forms and circumstances. In order to understand the basis of social identity, it is important to understand how social identities are formed and what they are, what social justice is and the process and goal for it to be achieved, and what the different types of oppressions are and where they can occur within society. Accordingly, social identity is made up of various components that may or may not result

However, for group identity it applies to more than one person it is a group of people that share similar characteristics and beliefs with each other. Essentially, one identifies themselves and others through multiple “labels” or “categories” such as age, skin color, and culture. Like so with an identification card, it lists gender, hair color, eye color, and height. It demonstrations the physical features of a person that are associated with identity. But identity touches upon much more than just appearances, it is also composed of personal beliefs, intellect that other people can relate, because it comes from within the deepest part of your brain. The mind’s consciousness and unconsciousness makes up the choices and actions of your behavior. Even your parents whom gave birth to the individual you have developed into doesn’t know everything about you, it is just impossible. Comparable to a machine, it’s impossible to discern every nut and bolt it is made of unless you are there and scrutinize the inside. Your parents can’t go inside your brain and dissect what it is made of, because it will kill you. Each person’s unique identity contains aspects that are gained from experience and beliefs influenced by the people around them, there can never be a person to live life exactly like another, therefore no two persons can be

Social Identity Theory has a considerable impact on social psychology. It is tested in a wide range of

In most case, identity is shaped by culture. Since culture is a set of ideals life practices, routines and attitudes set up by a certain community hence culture plays a major role in shaping the identity of an individual. An individual’s character and attributes can be because of their background. This is due to the set up that one has grown up (Dumas 19). People tend to learn more about their culture, and as they grow up it becomes part of them. They embrace the culture’s beliefs and tend to do things following the set routines. The aspect of following the set routine and beliefs play a significant part in shaping the identity of an individual.

Cultural identity is a part of the psychological self-concept that expresses an individual or group’s worldview and perceived cultural affiliations. The first step in finding a societal fit is to establish a cultural identity; this can be on an individual level and group level. Who am I? And where do I belong? These questions start to form in the human mind from an early age; it drives humans to explore their worldviews and how and where they fit in the world. Rosenfeld (1971) argued it is a deep-seated primal process that has ensured our continual survival. By finding others that think and act similarly we are offered some protection (Erickson, as cited in Carducci 2015). Erickson (as cited in Carducci, 2015) and Maslow (as cited in Mcleod 2007) argued that the need to belong is a basic building block of human development. Whatever the reason, the consensus is that humans have an intrinsic need to find a like-minded cultural group to belong to; this chosen affiliation is their cultural identity. A person may identify with more than one cultural