1. The Building Blocks Of Identity

Question 1

What is identity?

Answer 1

According to the concise Oxford dictionary it is absolute sameness, individuality personality condition of being a specific person.

Question 2

Discuss national identity

Answer 2

Shaped by language institution and cultural milieu

Firmly based on a political or perceived emotional link to a specific territory.

Question 3

Discuss transnational identity

Answer 3

Refer to international community that form around specific commonalities like religion and even secular organisations.

Can be easily expanded because they rely on taught behaviour and active promotion by existing members.

Question 4

Discuss subnational Identity

Answer 4

Subnational culture based on regionality language class politics shared history or religion.

Question 5

Define ethnicity

Answer 5

An identity that is linked to an ethnic group characterised by shared language and customs the members of which differentiate from other groups on basis of culture.

Differentiated by collective name shared language belief in common descent and shared allegiance.

Can be self defines or defined by those outside group.

Question 6

Define diasporas

Answer 6

The large scale movement of people with a shared geographical origin to other parts of the world.

Question 7

What is ethnocentrism

Answer 7

Is the tendency to view the culture of one’s own group as superior to that of others.

Question 8

What is racism

Answer 8

Is the belief that certain groups are inferior because of the set of physical features they possess

Question 9

What are ascribed and achieved identity attributes

Answer 9

Ascribed are attributes determined by birth due to genetics and family such as gender and race.

Achieve are attributes acquired overtime. These are acquired during a person’s lifetime such as occupation.

Age and class are a combination of ascribed and achieved identity attributes