Collier, Mary Jane - Theorizing Cultural Identifications Flashcards
What is Mary Jane Collier’s definition of cultural identity?
“Identification with and perceived acceptance into a group that has shared systems of symbols and meaning as well as norms/rules for conduct.”
What personal experiences influenced Collier’s development of cultural identifications theory?
Her high school students showed her the privilege she previously couldn’t see, and her time at a Navajo reservation high school where she realized the curriculum was built through “white eyes.”
How does Collier’s cultural identity theory address the complexity of identifications?
Cultural identities are not static but evolve over time and through interactions, relationships, and conflict, allowing individuals to align with certain groups while maintaining individuality.
What are the two types of identity formation according to Collier?
Avowal, where individuals affirm their own identity, and ascription, where society assigns an identity to an individual.
What is the significance of “salience” in cultural identity?
Salience refers to how noticeable or projected a person’s cultural identity is in a given context, varying over time, space, and interactions.
What is “agency” in the context of Collier’s cultural identity theory?
Agency is the capacity of an individual to act independently and make free choices, though it can be constrained by factors like privilege and marginalization.
What challenges did Collier identify with using labels or checkboxes to define cultural identity?
In her survey at California State University, she found that checkboxes were ineffective because people have multiple cultural backgrounds that can’t be captured by limited options.
How do “avowal” and “ascription” interact in shaping cultural identity?
Even if an individual avows a certain identity, they may face pushback or constraints due to ascription, where society imposes an identity on them.
What is the concept of “multivocality” in Collier’s theory?
Multivocality refers to the presence of multiple interpretations, meanings, or values within cultural identities, highlighting the diversity of experiences within a group.
How does Collier’s theory address the impact of privilege on cultural identity?
She acknowledges that privilege can obscure one’s understanding of other cultural experiences, and that marginalized groups face greater risks and constraints in asserting their agency.
What does Collier suggest about the relationship between identity and social interactions?
Cultural identity is negotiated in relationships, with one’s internal sense of identity being influenced by how it is received and acknowledged in interactions with others.
What are the implications of not having official documentation, like a passport, on cultural identity, according to Collier?
Lacking formal documentation, such as Palestinians without passports, can complicate one’s ability to assert their identity, even if they strongly identify with a cultural group.
What does Collier’s theory suggest about the influence of political and societal structures on cultural identities?
She emphasizes the resistance to dominant political structures, like patriarchy and whiteness, and how these systems impact the formation and recognition of cultural identities.
How does Collier address the dynamic nature of cultural identity?
She posits that cultural identity is not fixed, but changes over time and through different contexts, influenced by social, political, and personal factors.
What is the role of “content and relational aspects” in identity negotiation?
Identity negotiation occurs in interactions where the acceptance of one’s identity by others shapes the ongoing construction and affirmation of that identity.
What does “salience” refer to in the context of cultural identity?
Salience is the degree to which a cultural identity is particularly noticed or projected in a situation. It varies based on context, space, time, and interactions.
How can cultural identity be formed according to Mary Jane Collier’s theory?
Identity can be formed through avowal, where individuals affirm their own identity, or through ascription, where society assigns an identity to them.
What is meant by “scope” in cultural identity?
Scope refers to the intensity, breadth, generalizability, number of people, and frequency with which a cultural identity is expressed or recognized.
How do the intensity of avowal and ascription vary?
The intensity of avowal and ascription can differ based on situation, context, relationship, and the specific identity being expressed or imposed.
What does Collier mean by the idea that identity endures changes over time and space?
Identification with a certain culture or group can last a long time or evolve and change across different periods and locations, depending on life experiences and interactions.
How are content and relational aspects involved in identity negotiation in intercultural relationships?
In intercultural relationships, identity is negotiated through interactions, and the way one’s identity is received by others can influence the individual’s internal identity.
What is the role of “agency” in Collier’s theory of cultural identity?
Agency is the capacity of individuals to act independently and make free choices. This capacity can be limited by societal constraints, particularly for marginalized groups, who may face greater risks when exercising agency.
Why might marginalized groups face greater risks in asserting their agency?
Marginalized groups often encounter greater consequences for asserting their identities or making independent choices due to societal structures that limit their power and recognition.
What political and social structures does Collier discuss as influences on cultural identity?
Collier highlights the influence of dominant political structures like patriarchy, whiteness, and colour-blindness, which shape and sometimes suppress cultural identities.
