Chapter 4 Flashcards
What shapes our identities?
- Nationality
- Race and ethnicity
- Religion
- Socio-economic status
How does nationality help to shape our identities?
People of the same nationality usually share a common history, a common set of traditions, common practices, a common language, and live together in a particular geographical area. This helps to build a sense of belonging and can shape one’s identity.
Give an example of how nationality helps to shape our identities.
On 9 August every year, Singapore celebrates National Day to mark its independence and progress as a nation. Besides participating in celebrations of the nation’s birthday, Singaporeans, being part of a multicultural society, also share a deep respect for multicultural and multireligious practices and a common love for food across cultures. There would also be a commitment to bilingualism and the use of the common language, English.
In this way, aspects of the shared national identity would shape the individual’s identity and actions, for example, in terms of interaction with other citizens.
Define “race.”
“Race” refers to the classification of people according to physical characteristics that are biological in nature
Define “ethnicity”.
“Ethnicity” refers to one’s ancestry, cultural practices, language, customs, food and traditional clothes that are associated with an ethnic group.
How does religion shape one’s identity?
Most religions embody a set of shared core beliefs and practices. Believers keep to these beliefs and practices regardless of their nationality and ethnicity. These beliefs and practices would then shape the way we interact with others, the choices we make and our thinking. Religions thus play an important role in shaping our identities as they ifluence our way of life in many ways.
Define socio-economic status.
Socio-economic status refers to an economic situation shared by a group of people and some determinants are occupation, income, education and ownership of wealth.
How does socio-economic status shape one’s identity?
The socio-economic status of an individual may shape one’s life experience as it affects the choice of housing, food, entertainment and activities. This in turn can influence the circle of friends that one interacts with. In this way, one’s identity can be shaped by one’s socio-economic status.
Give an example of how someone has moved from lower to higher levels of income.
Dr Abdul Rakakjr Omar became the first Malay heart specialist in Singapore at the age of 35. He came from a humble family background, living in a rented flat with his family throughout much of his schooling years.
Give an example of how someone has moved from a higher level of income to a lower level of income.
Mr Ken Lim Cheng Chuan was the boss and managing director of the once-successful Five Star Tours, which used to have as many as eight branches in Singapore. However, now that the company is bankrupt and earning just enough to get by, Mr Lim had no choice but to find new work as a coffee shop assistant.
