Sociology (9292) | Social identities and social change

Sociology (9292) Study Notes: Social Identities and Social Change

Welcome to the World of Identity!

Hi everyone! This chapter is fascinating because it’s all about you—who you are, how society shapes you, and how the world changing around you affects your sense of self.
We are looking at how identities are formed (a process called socialisation) and how they adapt (social change). Don't worry if this seems complex; we'll break it down into easy, manageable steps!

Remember: In Sociology, identity isn't just about what you look like; it's about how you fit into the groups around you.

Section 1: Understanding Social Identity

What is Social Identity?

In simple terms, your social identity is the part of your identity that comes from your membership in social groups. It answers the question: "Who am I in relation to others?"

Key Definitions

• Social Identity: The sense of self derived from belonging to groups (e.g., being a student, a sister, a national of a country).
• Personal Identity: The unique characteristics that make you an individual (e.g., being very creative, always punctual, or having a specific sense of humour).

Analogy: Think of your identity as a giant jigsaw puzzle. Your Personal Identity is the unique shape and colour of one specific piece. Your Social Identity is where that piece fits into the overall picture (the groups it connects to).

Identity and Socialisation

Social identities are not born; they are learned through socialisation. Agents of socialisation (like family, peers, school, and media) teach us the expected norms and values for the various identities we hold.

Example: If you are told throughout childhood that "our family supports this football team" (a norm), that group membership becomes part of your identity.

Section 2: The Building Blocks of Identity

Sociologists focus on several major categories that heavily influence how we form and express our identities. These categories shape our life chances and experiences.

1. Gender Identity

Gender is one of the most powerful forces shaping identity from birth. It is often confused with sex (biological differences), but gender refers to the social roles, behaviours, and expectations linked to masculinity and femininity.

• Gender Roles: These are the norms and expectations associated with being male or female in a specific society.
• Socialisation Impact: Families might encourage different toys or activities for boys and girls, reinforcing gender identity. The media often portrays stereotypical gender roles, influencing how young people feel they "should" behave.

Did you know? In many Western societies, traditional gender identities are becoming much more fluid (less strict). This is an example of social change affecting identity!

2. Age Identity

Your identity changes dramatically as you move through different life stages (e.g., child, adolescent, adult, pensioner). Society has specific expectations for each age group.

• Child Identity: Often associated with dependency and learning.
• Youth Identity (Adolescence): Often associated with peer pressure, establishing independence, and perhaps subcultures (groups with distinct norms).

Memory Tip: Think of Age Identity as a timeline with changing rules. What is acceptable behaviour for a teenager is not acceptable for a 70-year-old, and vice-versa.

3. Ethnicity and Race

Ethnicity is a shared culture, heritage, language, and often religion that creates a sense of common identity among a group. Race is often based on perceived physical differences, which society uses to categorize people.

• These identities provide a strong sense of belonging, tradition, and shared history.
• However, these identities can also lead to conflict or discrimination, where an individual’s identity is negatively labeled (stigma) by the dominant culture.

4. Social Class Identity

Social class is based on factors like income, wealth, occupation, and status. It heavily influences lifestyle, education opportunities, and how people interact with authority.

• Sociologists often look at working class, middle class, and upper class identities.
• Example: Someone with a professional, high-paying job may internalise an identity associated with authority, high achievement, and material comfort, which is different from someone who identifies primarily through manual labour.

5. National Identity

This is the sense of belonging to a nation or country. It is fostered through shared language, national symbols (flags, anthems), history, and events (like the Olympics).

Example: Feeling pride when your country performs well in a major international competition reinforces a positive national identity.

Section 3: Social Change and the Transformation of Identity

Identities are not static (fixed); they change constantly in response to wider societal shifts, known as social change.

1. The Impact of Globalisation

Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world, driven by travel, trade, and communication technology.

How Globalisation Changes Identity:

• Migration: As more people move around the world, national identities become more complex. Individuals may hold loyalties and identities to two or more countries.
• Hybrid Identities: This is when two or more cultures or identities blend together. Example: A second-generation migrant who feels both strongly British and strongly Pakistani.
• Challenge to Tradition: Global ideas and practices (often Western) spread rapidly, sometimes undermining traditional ethnic or religious identities, especially among the young.

2. The Impact of Technology and Media

Technology and media are the primary engines of modern social change, providing new ways for identities to be formed and expressed.

The Role of Social Media (Digital Identity):

The internet allows individuals to manage their identity carefully, often creating an idealised digital persona.

• Curated Self: People select and present only the best parts of themselves online. This can lead to anxiety when comparing real-life identity with perfect online identities.
• Access to Subcultures: Technology allows people with niche interests (no matter where they live) to connect and form strong online identities and communities.
• Challenging Authority: Media can spread information instantly, challenging official narratives and allowing minority groups to promote alternative identities and values, sometimes leading to social movements.

Encouraging Note: Don't panic about the big words! Just remember that social change means society is shifting, and our identities have to shift with it (we might develop a hybrid identity or an online identity).

3. Identity and Social Control

The agents of socialisation also function as agents of social control—they encourage us to adopt socially acceptable identities and punish us if we deviate.

• If you conform to the norms of your gender, age group, or class, your identity is validated.
• If your identity is seen as deviant (non-conforming), you may face negative sanctions, encouraging you to change or hide that aspect of your identity.