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Theme 6 Summary APY1501 - Anthropology In A Diverse World (APY1501)
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Concise summary of key concepts and definitions
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APY1501 NOTES THEME 6Social Identity: The Self and The Group
1. Introduction
The simplest explanation of what identity is, is that it describes
who a person is or the qualities of a person or group that makes
them different from others.
Identity refers to the extent that an individual or group’s
characteristics are the same over time.
o It is linked to the idea of permanence through time –
remaining identical to itself from moment to moment.
o Although an identity is more or less consistent over time, it is
not a static category, but a dynamic continuous adapting
process.
Self-identity is personal characteristics or attributes that distinguish
an individual.
o Self and social constructs of identity involve a sense of
sameness, continuity, and unity.
We identify with others whom we assume are similar to us in some
significant way.
o On the other hand, we distinguish ourselves from other
people and groups that we consider to be different from us.
o Alterity – the state of being “other” or different – is used to
refer to perceptions of “us” and “them”.
Difference(s) from others are frequently about forming and
maintaining group boundaries, but identity and difference aren’t so
much about categorical groupings as about processes of
identification and differentiation.
Anthropologists consider identity as a sociocultural construct,
which includes a personal self and collective social identifications.
o Self-identity is a subjective sense of self that sets a person
apart from others.
Individual constructs about identity are based on the underlying
systems and values which form the building blocks of societies.
, o Individualism versus collectivism.
o Individualism is the general orientation in a society that
focuses on personal aspects such as uniqueness and
personal goals.
Motivated by their own needs and rights and aren’t that
concerned with group goals and social aspects.
Based on the sense of self and how a person wishes to
express themselves.
o Basis of collectivism is the assumption that groups bind and
mutually obligate individuals.
Individuals are closely linked and primarily view
themselves as parts of a whole.
2. Identity and the self
A trait is a characteristic or quality that distinguishes an individual
or group from others.
Some traits are innately inherited and ascribed, whilst other
aspects are acquired or achieved.
o Inherited – from parents or ancestors.
Physical aspects, athletic, musicality etc.
o Ascribed – given identities based on the social position a
person is born into.
Anthropology generally focuses on the ascribed nature of self-
identity.
Anthropologists are further concerned with the sociocultural rules
that classify individuals and determine the relationship between
them and others in the group.
o Example – sexual ability
What is important is the behaviour associated with the title
(mother, son etc) and ascribed identity of the person.
People are increasingly discovering or developing their
commonalities in a new kind of “place” – cyberspace.
o Academics argue that it is an arena where self-identity can
be explored without the constraints of “real life” boundaries.
o Allows individuals to explore their identity in multiple ways.
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