Identity

Question 1

identity?

Answer 1

how you see yourself

Question 2

social identity?

Answer 2

how other people see you

• sum of all the socialisation experiences a person has been through
• shaped by family, peers, education, religion and workplace

Question 3

concept of identity

Answer 3

• during socialisation, internalise all social expectations associated with social roles - learn how others are supposed to behave and adjust our social identity accordingly
• adulthood, normally acquired social identity that fits social expectations e.g beloved family member, trustworthy friend
• some argue aspects of our identity are imposed on us by social forces e.g. ethnicity, nationality, gender, social class, sexuality, age and disability.

Question 4

gender and identity

Answer 4

• patriarchal society, women seen and treated as inferior
• sociobiologists believe, gender roles are natural product of biology
• SOCIOLOGISTS DISAGREE (esp. feminists) gender is socially constructed via gender role socialisation
• taught by society to conform to culturally dominant or hegemonic masc. and fem.norms of behaviour.

Question 5

functionalism - gender and identity

Answer 5

• TALCOTT PARSONS argued biological differences between males and females = ‘natural’ social roles that men and women should fulfil In society
• women: caring and naturing
• men: breadwinner.

Question 6

feminism - gender and identity

Answer 6

• stereotypical idea of the roles men and women should occupy, and norms they should subscribe to, systematically disadvantage women

Question 7

subordinate masculinity

Answer 7

• males who demonstrate traits which are the opposites of hegemonic masculinity e.g ‘gay’

Question 8

marginalised masculinity

Answer 8

• lacks characteristics of hegemonic masculinity because the male is either disabled and/or belongs to an ethnic minority group.

Question 9

age and identity

Answer 9

• sociologists observe that age is probably the only aspect of identity for which we all experience changing effects.

Question 10

5 major generational stages of age identity (BRADLEY 1996)

Answer 10

• childhood
• adolescence
• young adulthood
• middle age
• old age

evidence to suggest we experience varying status amongst these phases of life and these shape other’s behaviour towards us
- sociologists argue that these jar chronological stages pf our lives are socially constructed.

Question 11

CHILDHOOD

Answer 11

• special, innocent and vulnerable period
• youngest members of society are generally pampered and protected by their parents and the state.
• some cultures, childhood viewed less innocent e.g child labour
• POSTMAN - period of childhood shortened due to adult influences e.g tv and media too soon

Question 12

ADOLESCENCE

Answer 12

• period between puberty and achievement of full adult status
• pre-industrial societies, youth = not distinctive life stage
• rite of passage = take on adult responsibilities

Question 13

YOUNG ADULTHOOD

Answer 13

• paying rent, being faithful to one person, some independence

Question 14

MIDDLE AGE

Answer 14

Bradley 1996 claims middle-aged have higher status than teenagers or elderly = makes up majority of those with wealth and power
symbolised by mid-life crisis

Question 15

OLD AGE

Answer 15

• elders people subscribe to a negative self identity
• a burden
• HOWEVER, in traditional, pre-industrial societies = great respect and status, seen to have experience and wisdom