Identity Essentials
The qualities, values, experiences and group memberships that shape how a person understands themselves.
What is identity?
Clothing, language, food, symbols and music are examples of these visible or recognisable features of identity.
What are identity markers?
The feeling of being accepted as part of a group or society.
What is membership?
The effect individuals have on group decisions and the effect a group has on its members.
What is influence?
A person’s overall understanding and perception of who they are.
What is self-concept?
Family traditions affecting what a person values would be classified as this rather than an identity marker.
What is an influence on identity?
These distinguish between people recognised as members and those outside the group.
What are boundaries?
Behaving in a way that is accepted by the group.
What is conformity?
Identity is described this way because it develops through social experiences rather than being completely fixed at birth.
What is a social construct?
A club uniform is this because it allows members to be recognised as belonging to the group.
What is an identity marker?
Members may contribute time, effort and skills and receive friendship, support and recognition in return. This is known as personal what?
What is personal investment?
Shared rules that communicate which behaviours are considered appropriate or inappropriate.
What are cultural norms?
These can include family, culture, community groups, media, experiences and significant events.
What are influences on identity?
Moving to a new country and adapting to a different community would be classified as this.
What is an experience or influence on identity?
Experiences, traditions, achievements and challenges shared by members can create this type of connection.
What is a shared emotional connection?
Trainers, leaders, assessors and committees may perform this role by deciding who is qualified or accepted.
What are gatekeepers?
Identity may change across different situations and throughout a person’s life. This means identity is not this.
What is fixed or unchanging?
A marker communicates identity, while this helps explain why the identity developed.
What is an influence?
This develops when people see themselves as part of a wider group and place importance on shared responsibilities and outcomes.
What is collective identity?
Following emergency procedures is an example of conformity producing this positive result.
What is safety, coordination or group cohesion?