Identity is the distinctive qualities or traits that define an individual and make them unique. It is usually something people associate themselves with, and it helps people to understand who they are as individuals. Identity can be influenced by the people you surround yourself with, and the place in which you have grown up in, as it can change your view on your own identity and the people surrounding you. There are many factors that affect what you view your identity as, like your specific culture can be a key identity for someone who celebrates it or their religion can also be a strong part to their identity.
Femininity
Femininity is a set of behaviours and roles that are generally associated with women and girls. This is a typical social structure used to define people who act in a girly or feminine way, and are used to stereotype women.
Masculinity
Masculinity is a term used to show the traits used by men like strength, assertiveness, leadership, courage, and dominance. Masculinity is known to be social expectations suitable for a man. It is a set of attributes that are typically linked with men and boys to stereotypically make them feel as though they should be masculine through society.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is how a person feels and understands their own gender, which may not match the sex they were assigned at birth. It can include identities like male, female, non-binary, or genderfluid. Gender identity is different from sexual orientation, as it’s about who someone is, not who they’re attracted to. People express their gender through things like appearance, behavior, and pronouns. Respecting a person’s gender identity is important for supporting their rights and dignity.
Cultural Identity
Cultural identity is the feeling of belonging to a particular cultural group, shaped by things like traditions, language, values, and shared experiences. It connects people to their heritage and how they see the world. This identity can be influenced by factors like ethnicity, nationality, family, and community. It plays an important role in how people understand themselves and how they relate to others. Cultural identity can change over time based on personal experiences and exposure to different cultures.
Social Identity
Social identity is how individuals see themselves based on their membership in different social groups, such as those defined by age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or social status. It helps people understand their place in society and shapes how they interact with others. A person’s social identity can influence their beliefs, values, and actions, and also affect how they are treated by others. It provides a sense of belonging and can boost self-esteem, but it may also lead to biases or conflicts if differences between groups are focused on too much.
Geographical Identity
Geographical identity is how people see themselves based on where they come from or live. This could be their hometown, country, or any specific place that affects their values, experiences, and way of life. It’s shaped by the environment, culture, language, and traditions of that place. Geographical identity helps people connect with others and understand their place in the world. For example, someone might feel a strong connection to their city or country, which influences how they see themselves.
Political Identity
Political identity is how people see themselves based on their political beliefs and values. It’s shaped by views on issues like government, rights, and social values, and is often tied to political parties, leaders, or movements they support. Things like upbringing, education, and personal experiences influence political identity. It affects how people get involved in politics, make choices, and interact with others who have similar or different views. Political identity helps people feel connected to a political group or cause and gives them a sense of belonging in society.
Loss/Lack of Identity
A loss of identity is when someone feels disconnected from who they are or where they belong. This can happen if they’re unsure about their values, beliefs, culture, or role in life. It often happens after big changes, like moving to a new place or facing difficult situations. People who experience this might not know their purpose or how they fit in, which can make them feel isolated, insecure, or unsure of themselves. Finding or rebuilding their identity often involves rediscovering what’s important to them, connecting with supportive people, or trying new things.
Stereotypes and Prejudices
Stereotypes are wrong ideas about a group of people based on things like their race, gender, age, or sexuality. These ideas assume that everyone in the group is the same, ignoring differences between individuals. For example, thinking all teenagers are troublemakers or that older people don’t know how to use technology. Stereotypes can be harmful because they lead to misunderstandings about others.
Whereas, prejudice is when you have a negative opinion about someone just because of their group, like their race, gender, religion, or nationality, without knowing them personally. It’s often based on unfair assumptions made before getting to know the person. Prejudices can lead to treating people unfairly. For example, thinking someone is untrustworthy just because of where they come from is a form of prejudice.
