Sociology (9690): Study Notes on Social Identities and Social Change (3.1.2.3)

Welcome! This chapter is fascinating because it helps us answer the biggest question in Sociology: "Who are we, and how did we become this way?" We are diving deep into how society builds our sense of self (our identities) and how rapid global changes are completely reshaping who we think we are.

Don't worry if this seems abstract at first! We will break down key concepts using examples you see every day. This topic links directly back to socialisation (3.1.2.2), as socialisation is the *process* through which identities are formed.

1. Understanding Identity: Individual vs. Collective

A social identity is the sense of self based on the group or groups we belong to. It is the answer to the question, "Tell me about yourself," that goes beyond your immediate personality.

Individual and Collective Identities

We hold two main types of identity simultaneously:

1. Individual Identity:

  • This is your unique sense of self—your personality, your specific memories, and your personal tastes.
  • Example: You are a student who loves playing the guitar and prefers quiet study time.

2. Collective Identity:

  • This is the identity we share with others based on group membership. It is defined by shared characteristics, norms, and culture.
  • Example: You are a member of Generation Z, a national, and a follower of a specific religion.

Analogy: Think of identity like a phone. Your Individual Identity is the saved personal contacts and photos. Your Collective Identity is the phone's operating system (iOS or Android)—the framework that connects you to a wider community of users.

2. The Social Construction of Identity

Sociology argues that identities are socially constructed. This means they are not simply biological or natural; they are created and defined by society, culture, and social interaction.

How Socialisation Builds Identity

Identities are built through the ongoing process of socialisation (learning norms and values).

Step-by-step construction:

  1. Labeling: Society places a label on you (e.g., 'boy', 'old person', 'student').
  2. Expectations (Roles): Society associates roles and expectations (norms and values) with that label.
  3. Internalisation: You learn, accept, and perform these roles, and they become part of your sense of self.
Example: The identity of 'child' changes dramatically across cultures. In some societies, children are expected to take on heavy labour roles from a young age (no 'child-centredness'), while in others, they are seen as fragile and protected.

Quick Review: Key Identity Building Blocks

The syllabus requires you to understand how identity is based on the following key social divisions:

  • Age and Generation/Cohort: The roles, statuses, and expected behaviours change as we move through life (e.g., teenager, middle-aged professional, pensioner).
  • Sex and Gender: Sex is biological (male/female). Gender is the social identity (masculinity/femininity) constructed around those biological differences.
  • Race and Ethnicity: Race is often based on perceived physical differences, while ethnicity is based on shared culture, heritage, language, and history.
  • Social Class: Identity derived from economic position (wealth, income, occupation) which affects lifestyle and status.
  • Religion: Identity tied to a shared belief system, community, and moral framework.
  • Ability/Disability: How society defines capabilities and limitations, often leading to a stigmatised identity (Goffman) if labelled as 'disabled' in a way that limits social roles.
  • Nationality: Identity based on legal citizenship and shared national culture, symbols, and language.

! Common Mistake to Avoid !

Always distinguish between Sex (biological) and Gender (socially constructed identity). They are not interchangeable in Sociology!

3. Social Change and the New Identity Landscape

Identities are constantly changing, particularly in response to major social forces like globalisation and new technologies. These forces break down traditional boundaries, creating new ways of seeing ourselves.

3.1 Changing Gender Identities

Traditional gender roles (rigid masculinity and femininity) are changing rapidly.

  • Masculinity and Femininity: Identities are becoming less fixed. Men may adopt behaviours traditionally seen as feminine (e.g., being more expressive or emotional), and women may adopt roles traditionally seen as instrumental or masculine (e.g., being the main 'breadwinner').
  • The rise of new identities (e.g., metrosexual masculinity, fluid gender identifications) shows that gender is now a matter of choice and performance, not just a set of inherited roles.
3.2 Hybrid Ethnic Identities and Diasporas

In a multicultural and globalised world, identities often blend.

  • Hybrid Ethnic Identities: These are identities formed by combining two or more cultural traditions. Example: A person of Chinese heritage born and raised in London may forge a "Chines-British" identity that is unique and distinct from both 'pure' Chinese or 'pure' British identity.
  • Diasporas: A diaspora is a community of people who have been scattered from their original homeland but maintain emotional, cultural, and political links to it. These groups often develop transnational identities, connecting 'home' and 'host' cultures via global communication networks.

Did You Know?

Sociologist Stuart Hall described new identities as being less like a fixed, traditional house and more like a constantly changing highway intersection—always in motion and connecting different places.

3.3 Online Identities

The internet, social media, and virtual communities provide entirely new platforms for identity construction.

  • Curated Self: On social media, we actively choose which parts of our identity to present. Our online self is often an idealised or selective version of our real self.
  • Virtual Communities: People form strong collective identities based on shared interests online (e.g., specific gaming communities or fandoms), which can sometimes feel more important than their local, physical identities.
  • Fluidity and Experimentation: The anonymity provided by some online spaces allows people to experiment with gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity without fear of immediate real-world sanctions.
3.4 Consumption and Globalisation as Influences

The way we spend money and our exposure to global cultures massively shapes identity today.

  • Greater Consumption: We increasingly define who we are by what we buy (status symbols, brand loyalty, lifestyle choices). Identity becomes a product you purchase, not just a role you are given. Example: Choosing to identify as a 'sustainable consumer' by only buying ethically sourced goods.
  • Globalisation: Increased global travel, migration, and media flow mean people are exposed to norms and values from societies far away. This leads to cosmopolitan identities (identifying as a "global citizen") rather than solely national or local identities.

Key Takeaway

Social identities are complex blueprints of who we are, laid down by socialisation. Today, these blueprints are being constantly redrawn and made more fluid by forces like technology and globalisation, offering greater choice but also creating new ambiguities and hybrid ways of life.