The Question: What is important to my identity?

Yes, indeed identity does matter. It can be an important factor in shaping an individual’s sense of self and their place in the world. It can include a variety of aspects such as one’s race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and more.

For many people, their identity can be a source of pride and connection with a particular group, culture, or community. It can also inform how they interact with others and how they navigate various social situations.

However, identity can also be a source of discrimination, marginalization, and inequality, especially for historically marginalized groups. In such cases, one’s identity can have a significant impact on their life experiences and opportunities.

Ultimately, whether identity matters can depend on a variety of factors, including an individual’s personal experiences, social and cultural context, and broader societal dynamics. It is important to recognize and respect the diversity of identities that exist and work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. However, it is also important to recognize that identity is complex and multifaceted. No individual can be defined solely by one aspect of their identity, and each person’s experiences are unique.

Learning Outcomes

This unit will help learners do the following:

• explore the complexities of identity
• learn about identity development
• recognize the concept of “intersectionality”
• relate the concept of Charles Cooley’s (1901) “looking-glass self”

Key Terms

Understanding these key terms helps with grasping the complex and dynamic nature of identity and highlights its influence on individual development, cultural transmission, and societal cohesion.

1. Identity: The conception, characteristics, beliefs, and experiences that make an individual or group unique and distinguish them from others. Identity encompasses various aspects, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, nationality, religion, and socioeconomic status.
2. Self-concept: The perception and understanding that individuals have about themselves, including their traits, abilities, values, and roles in society. Self-concept influences how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.
3. Social Identity: The aspects of an individual’s identity that are shaped by their membership in social groups or categories, such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. Social identity can influence self-esteem, attitudes, behaviors, and interactions with others.
4. Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of privilege and oppression. Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals may experience discrimination and disadvantage differently based on multiple intersecting identities.
5. Cultural Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, including shared values, traditions, customs, language, and heritage. Cultural identity shapes individuals’ worldview, beliefs, behaviors, and sense of belonging within their community.
6. Ethnic Identity: The aspect of identity that reflects individuals’ connection to their ethnic or cultural heritage, including shared ancestry, language, customs, and traditions. Ethnic identity can influence individuals’ sense of belonging, self-esteem, and relationships with others.
7. Gender Identity: An individual’s deeply held sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender identity is not determined solely by biological factors but is shaped by social, cultural, and psychological influences.
8. Sexual Identity: The aspect of identity that reflects an individual’s sexual orientation, attractions, desires, and relationships. Sexual identity encompasses a range of orientations, including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual, among others.
9. National Identity: The sense of belonging and attachment that individuals feel towards their nation or country of citizenship, including shared history, culture, values, and symbols. National identity can influence individuals’ sense of loyalty, patriotism, and belonging to a larger community.
10. Racial Identity: The sense of belonging to a racial group and the significance attached to that identity. Racial identity can be fluid and may evolve over time based on personal experiences, social interactions, and cultural influences.