6. Identity

• What is the definition of identity in sociology?

  Identity refers to the ways in which individuals and groups define themselves and are defined by others.
• How is identity constructed according to the study material?

  Identity is constructed through socialisation and involves self-conception, self-expression, and presentation to the world.
• What are the two types of identity mentioned in the study material?

  Personal identity and social identity.
• What does personal identity reflect?

  Personal identity reflects an individual’s unique characteristics.
• What is social identity based on?


  Social identity is based on the groups to which an individual belongs, such as class, race, and gender.
• How can identity be characterized in terms of stability?

  Identity can be stable or fluid, changing across different contexts or time.
• What are the components of identity as mentioned in the study material?

  The components of identity include personal identity, social identity, cultural identity, and gender identity.
• What does cultural identity encompass?

  Cultural identity is shaped by the culture in which one is raised and includes factors related to nationality, ethnicity, and tradition.
• What is gender identity?

  Gender identity refers to an individual’s deeply-held sense of their gender, which may be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.
• How does socialisation influence identity formation?

  Identity formation is strongly influenced by socialisation, with different agencies such as family, education, peers, and media playing key roles.
• What does the process of identity formation often involve?

  The process of identity formation often involves a struggle or negotiation between personal desires and societal expectations.
• What is the distinction between role and identity?

  Roles are assigned and involve specific expectations and norms, while identity is personally constructed and comprises how we make sense of these roles.
• How does identity influence an individual?

  Our identities influence how we see ourselves and how we relate to the world, affecting our values, decisions, and behaviours.
• What role does identity play in shaping societal structures?

  Identity plays a significant role in shaping societal structures as it interacts with factors like race, class, and gender, shaping power dynamics.
• What can situations of identity conflict lead to?

  Situations of identity conflict can lead to feelings of dissonance and discomfort.
• What is intersectionality in relation to identity?

  Intersectionality refers to the concept that individuals hold multiple and often intersecting identities.
• Why is the study of identity politics important?

  The study of identity politics is important to understand how identity-based social organisations influence political discourse and policy-making.
• How does society often label identities?

  Society often places labels on identities, which can simplify complex identities but can also lead to stereotypes and prejudices.
• What are the two sides of identity?

  Personal identity and social identity
• What is personal identity?

  It is how you see yourself, including your interests and beliefs
• What is social identity?

  It is how others see you and the key categories they use to define you
• What are ascribed statuses?

  Involuntary statuses that we cannot choose, such as race and sex
• What are achieved statuses?

  Statuses that we accomplish during our lives through our work and effort
• What are the 7 key aspects of identity we will be studying?

  • Ethnicity
  • Gender
  • Class
  • Age
  • Nationality
  • Sexuality
  • Disability
• What is intersectionality?

  It refers to the ways in which different social categories interconnect and overlap, leading to complex systems of discrimination or disadvantage
• How do ascribed statuses differ from achieved statuses?

  Ascribed statuses are involuntary, while achieved statuses are earned through effort