what can social science tell us about the formation of identities

What can social science tell us about the formation of identities?

“Identity offers a means of thinking about and understanding how the personal and social are connected” (Woodward, 2003, p 19). The concept of identity in social science has many personal and social dimensions to be accounted for. For instance, gender, social class, nationality, and ethnicity. Some aspects are formed through official documents such as a passport or birth certificate. According to Woodward (2004, p 8) Madan Sarup uses passports from different stages of his life to convey some aspects of his identity. All three passports reveal his name, gender and categorize him as to what nation he belongs to, suggesting continuity to his identity. The passports also reveal his physical appearance. The question, “which is the real you?” by Sarup’s friend, suggests that identities are not fixed but changing over time, acquiring multiple identities is possible. Woodward (2004, p 151) identified that multiple identities can lead to diversity. This essay will examine what factors contribute to shaping identity: discussing how much control is exercised by social structure, and how much control an individual or society have constructing identity. The link between the personal and social. Furthermore, this essay will answer, what can social science can tell us about the formation of identities?

There are three key concepts in social science regarding the formation of identity. According to Woodward (2004, p 13) George Herbert Mead, social philosopher, argued that, “identity formation is a combination of how I see my self and how others see me”. He places emphasis on symbolic representation.

Whereas, Erving Goffman, sociologist, argued that individuals have multiple roles as opposed to multiple identities which are acted out in everyday situations. For instance, a doctor would be expected by society to perform according to their role. This would enable society to interpret who they are, and ...

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Sigmund Freud, psychologist, argued identity formation would form from the unconscious mind by positive or negative repressed feelings from childhood experiences. These experiences would resurface in later life, and influence the choices an individual makes. In turn, limiting the control over the identities that they adopt. However, according to Woodward (2004, p 17) Freud argues that therapy can help to understand those repressed early childhood experiences and regain agency. A weakness of his theory is that he used “unrepresentative samples and techniques which were not fully objective”. Most of his cases studies were adult women. Therefore, Freud’s theory on identity formation is flawed (Hill, p 72).

Louis Althusser claimed that identity is formed when the individual is “interpellated” into. The individual would decide which identity fits them. For example, a mothers identity can change with time. In the 1950’s a mothers role would have been housewife, in contrast to the present day many women have separate careers as well as the role of mother and housewife.

The structure of society is important in shaping identity. Class, gender, and ethnicity are important dimensions because they demonstrate the constant conflict between agency and structure.

Children identify with their socially constructed categories. For instance, “young children’s gender categories are stereotyped”, (Woodward, 2004, p 57) Murphy and Elderwoods evidence clearly shows that gendered identities affects examination results. For example, labelling theory shows how structure can shape agency. The boy’s performance would be affected and stop them from fulfilling their prophecy. Woodward (2004, p 59) argues that cultural perceptions of masculinity and femininity can constrain individuals from constructing their own identity leading to diversity.

Woodward (2004, p 111) argues social class has an impact on the perception of identity. There are two important theories concerning class: Marx and Weber.

Marx's theory of capitalism suggests structure shapes agency. The same structure that shapes them, constrains them. The formation of identities generate under class divisions through polarization and collective agency. On the other hand, Webers theory of social stratification shows the inequalities of wealth and power is key to this: the higher an individual’s social class the better off they would be. Peter Saunders (1984), sociologist, argues consumption cleavages of 1980’s replace class as being responsible for shaping identities (cited in Woodward, 2004, p 106).

Furthermore, Woodward (2004, p 33) claims identity is marked by personal or social similarities that are shared. For example, ‘so you think im a mule?’ a poem written by Jackie Kay. The poem questions Kay’s origin. Despite Kay’s Glaswegian accent and claims to be from Glasgow, the woman outcasts her on the basis of skin colour. The woman believes that black people cannot be genuinely British, suggesting that white have superiority over black, highlighting the uncertainties and diversities that people face in a multicultural society.

Social class, gender and ethnicity are key concepts in understanding how identity is formed. Although, changes lead to uncertainty and diversity, this means new identities are formed. Formation is not just reliant upon the characteristics of the individual, social structure also relies on it. Hence, linking the personal to the social. In conclusion, social science can tell that the formation of identity is not fixed but dynamic.

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