Defining identity

• Identity can be shaped by multiple factors, including religion, ethnicity, age, gender, and region.
• Types of Identity

  • Religious Identity:
  • Some people see religion as their primary identity.
  • It influences clothing, worship, and traditions.
  • Ethnic and Cultural Identity:
  • Based on heritage, history, and ethnicity.
  • Can be regional or generational.
• Age, Gender, and Social Identity:

  • Age: Identity changes with time, e.g., young vs. retired individuals.
  • Gender: Gender identity debates include male/female roles and transgender issues.
  • Social Identity: Influenced by peer groups, sports, and social media.
• National, Local, and Regional Identity:

  • National identity: Linked to citizenship, passports, and official documents.
  • Local identity: Based on traditions, language, and culture of a region.
  • Multiple Identities:
  • Most people have more than one identity, e.g., someone with Scottish and Jamaican heritage may embrace both.
• Explain two ways in which individual identity can change.

  
  

  Age can change individual identity. For example, an individual might identify with and enjoy extreme sports when younger. This may change as the person gets older, especially if they take on the responsibilities of a parent.

  • Gender can also change individual identity. For example, an individual born in one gender might choose to change to another gender, with changes in appearance, clothing, and practical aspects such as which public toilets they use.