4.2.6. Culture and Identity

Identities are not inherited but fashioned both by the individual and the group through their relationship with others. For the individual the social roles that s/he plays imparts identity. Every person in modern society plays multiple roles. For instance within the family s/he may be a parent or a child but for each of the specific roles there are particular responsibilities and powers.

Identity is something that we create through our experiences and interactions with others. It isn't something we're born with; instead, it develops over time based on the roles we play in different contexts, like family and society. For example, in a family, you might be a parent, child, or sibling, and each of these roles comes with its own set of expectations and responsibilities.

Think of a theatre performance where each actor takes on a specific role. Just as the actor embodies different characters and interacts with others in the play, people embody various roles in their lives – like being a student, a friend, or a worker – and these roles together shape their identity.

It is not sufficient to enact roles. They also have to be recognised and acknowledged. This can often be done through the recognition of the particular language that is used among role players. Students in schools have their own way of referring to their teachers, other students, class performances. By creating this language which also serves as a code, they create their own world of meanings and significances.

To truly embody a role, it must be recognized by others. This recognition often comes through language – special ways of speaking or terms used among friends or within specific groups. For example, students may have slang terms or nicknames for teachers or reference school events in ways that are unique to them, helping to create a sense of belonging and identity within the group.

Imagine a secret club where members have their own codes, phrases, and handshake. This special language not only sets them apart from others but also reinforces their identity as a group. Similarly, students create their own code of communication that signifies their shared experiences and belonging.

In a culture there can be many subcultures, like that of the elite and working class youth. Sub-cultures are marked by style, taste and association. Particular sub-cultures are identifiable by their speech, dress codes, preference for particular kind of music or the manner in which they interact with their group members.

Subcultures are smaller cultures within a larger one, often distinguished by their specific styles, interests, or behaviors. For example, different social groups such as elite youth or working-class youth may express their identities through unique clothing styles, preferences in music, or specific ways of socializing that differentiate them from the mainstream culture.

Think of a town with different neighborhoods; each neighborhood has its own vibe, music style, and fashion. Just like these neighborhoods have distinct personalities while being part of the same town, subcultures exhibit unique characteristics while being part of the larger cultural community.

Sub-cultural groups can also function as cohesive units which impart an identity to all group members. Within such groups there can be leaders and followers but group members are bound by the purpose of the group and work together to achieve their objectives.

Subcultural groups often provide support and a sense of belonging to their members. These groups may have leaders who guide the others, but each member plays a role in creating a collective identity. This shared identity helps members feel connected, aiming towards common goals and enriching their self-image through group activities.

Think of a sports team. Each player has a specific role but they all share the goal of winning. The group dynamics help forge strong identities among members, making them feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves. This unity and shared purpose is what gives them their identity as a team.

Ethnocentrism is the application of one’s own cultural values in evaluating the behaviour and beliefs of people from other cultures. This means that the cultural values projected as the standard or norm are considered superior to that of the beliefs and values of other cultures.

Ethnocentrism is when someone judges another culture based on the standards of their own culture, often considering their own culture as superior. This can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of appreciation for the richness of diverse cultural backgrounds. Recognizing ethnocentrism is crucial for fostering respect and understanding between different cultures.

Imagine a traveler visiting a new country and thinking that the way their culture celebrates festivals is strange or inferior compared to how they do it back home. If the traveler learns about the significance and values behind the new culture's traditions, they can appreciate its uniqueness rather than dismiss it based on their own experiences.

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