Socially caused - structural views

Question 1

List the four views on a Socially Caused Identity

Answer 1

1. Structures of society shape identity.
2. Social life is patterned and predictable, therefore identity is stable.
3. Social position is a key source of identity (and usually of inequality)
4. Identity is imposed on the individual through the process of socialisation

Question 2

What is the Interactionist criticism of the Structural View on Identity?

Answer 2

Interactionists: this view of identity is deterministic, and fails to acknowledge active role played by individuals in constructing their identities

Question 3

What is the Postmodernist criticism of the Structural View on Identity?

Answer 3

Postmodernists: this view is no longer valid, because the structures on which it is based no longer exist.

Question 4

What is the Noe-Marxist criticism of the Structural View on Identity?

Answer 4

Neo-Marxism: Structure and Action are in play when understanding how an individual identity is created.

Question 5

What is the Structuration Theory criticism of the Structural View on Identity?

Answer 5

Structuration Theory: Action takes place within a structural framework.