User:CDLR50/Identity (social science)

''Notes: My edits are bolded. My main areas of focus have been the LEAD, IMPLICATIONS and FACTORS SHAPING THE CONCEPT OF IDENTITY. The areas that still need editing are: RELIGION. (see note below) Perhaps having one section titled "Forms of Identity" could cover religion and other forms of identity briefly, as some of these could then be linked to the main article in WIKI so they would not need extensive coverage.''

This article is in no way complete, but I hope that it is better.

Some final edits were added directly to the article and may not be shown here.

LEAD

Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or group.

'''Identity emerges during childhood as children start to comprehend their self-concept, and it remains a consistent aspect throughout different stages of life. Identity is shaped by social and cultural factors and how others perceive and acknowledge one's characteristics. The etymology of the term "identity" from the Latin noun "identitas" emphasizes an individual's mental image of themselves and their "sameness with others." Identity encompasses various aspects such as occupational, religious, national, ethnic or racial, gender, educational, generational, and political identities, among others.'''

'''Identity serves multiple functions, acting as a "self-regulatory structure" that provides meaning, direction, and a sense of self-control. It fosters internal harmony and serves as a behavioral compass, enabling individuals to orient themselves towards the future and establish long-term goals. As an active process, it profoundly influences an individual's capacity to adapt to life events and achieve a state of well-being. However, it is important to note that identity originates from traits or attributes that individuals may have little or no control over, such as their family background or ethnicity. '''

Social and Cultural Identity

In sociology, emphasis is placed on collective identity, in which an individual's identity is strongly associated with role-behavior or the collection of group memberships that define them. According to Peter Burke, "Identities tell us who we are and they announce to others who we are." Identities subsequently guide behavior, leading "fathers" to behave like "fathers" and "nurses" to act like "nurses."

Personal Identity

In psychology, the term "identity" is most commonly used to describe personal identity, or the distinctive qualities or traits that make an individual unique. Identities are strongly associated with self-concept, self-image (one's mental model of oneself), self-esteem, and individuality.[page needed] Individuals' identities are situated, but also contextual, situationally adaptive and changing. Despite their fluid character, identities often feel as if they are stable ubiquitous categories defining an individual, because of their grounding in the sense of personal identity (the sense of being a continuous and persistent self).

ARTICLE BODY

I did not make any edits to this in the article; however, I would delete the portions I have striked-through section as this goes off topic, and further research the connection between religion and identity and how identity is shaped or influenced by religion.

In religion[edit]
Main article: Religious identity

A religious identity is the set of beliefs and practices generally held by an individual, involving adherence to codified beliefs and rituals and study of ancestral or cultural traditions, writings, history, mythology, and faith and mystical experience. Religious identity refers to the personal practices related to communal faith along with rituals and communication stemming from such conviction. This identity formation begins with an association in the parents' religious contacts, and individuation requires that the person chooses the same or different religious identity than that of their parents.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is one of the parables of Jesus, it is about a shepherd who leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep in order to find the one which is lost. The parable of the lost sheep is an example of the rediscovery of identity their aim is to lay bare the nature of the divine response to the recovery of the lost, the lost sheep represents a lost human being.

Christian meditation is a specific form of personality formation, though often used only by certain practitioners to describe various forms of prayer and the process of knowing the contemplation of God.

In Western culture, personal and secular identity are deeply influenced by the formation of Christianity, throughout history, various Western thinkers who contributed to the development of European identity were influenced by classical cultures and incorporated elements of Greek culture as well as Jewish culture, leading to some movements such as Philhellenism and Philosemitism.

Implications[edit]
The implications are multiple as various research traditions are now[when?] heavily utilizing the lens of identity to examine phenomena .[citation needed]

Due to the multiple functions of identity which include self regulation, self-concept, personal control, meaning and direction, it's implications are woven into many aspects of life.

(This whole section is re-written below)

Identity changes[edit]
An important implication relates to identity change, i.e. the transformation of identity.

Contexts include:

Re-write:
 * Radical Career-change, when an individual drastically changes your their career path or their occupational identity.
 * Gender identity transition, when an individual experiences gender dysphoria, that persuades them to change their lives to fit into their gender identity.
 * National immigration, is an identity change because one has to adapt to a new society and these norms can vary across national context.
 * Identity change due to climate migration.
 * Adoption, is an identity change as  well because as one has to explore alternative features and come to terms that one is with being adopted.
 * Diagnosis of an illness can also be an identity change because this experience can change the way you view yourself. The Identity shifts in the face of illness. Illness can also result in "ability" changes that can effect Occupational Identity.

Contexts Influencing Identity Changes
Identity transformations can occur in various contexts, some of which include:


 * 1) Career Change: When individuals undergo significant shifts in their career paths or occupational identities, they face the challenge of redefining themselves within a new professional context.  
 * 2) Gender Identity Transition: Individuals experiencing gender dysphoria may embark on a journey to align their lives with their true gender identity. This process involves profound personal and social changes to establish an authentic sense of self. 
 * 3) National Immigration: Relocating to a new country necessitates adaptation to unfamiliar societal norms, leading to adjustments in cultural, social, and occupational identities. 
 * 4) Identity Change due to Climate Migration: In the face of environmental challenges and forced displacement, individuals may experience shifts in their identity as they adapt to new geographical locations and cultural contexts. 
 * 5) Adoption: Adoption entails exploring alternative familial features and reconciling with the experience of being adopted, which can significantly impact an individual's self-identity. 
 * 6) Illness Diagnosis: The diagnosis of an illness can provoke an identity shift, altering an individual's self-perception and influencing how they navigate life. Additionally, illnesses may result in changes in abilities, which can affect occupational identity and require adaptations.

'''

Immigration and Identity: Exploring the Impact'''

'''Immigration and acculturation often lead to shifts in social identity. The extent of this change depends on the disparities between the individual's heritage culture and the culture of the host country, as well as the level of adoption of the new culture versus the retention of the heritage culture. However, the effects of immigration and acculturation on identity can be moderated if the person possesses a strong personal identity. This established personal identity can serve as an "anchor" and play a "protective role" during the process of social and cultural identity transformations that occur. '''

'''

Occupational Identity: Nurturing Identity through Engagement'''

'''Identity is an ongoing and dynamic process that impacts an individual's ability to navigate life's challenges and cultivate a fulfilling existence. Within this process, occupation emerges as a significant factor that allows individuals to express and maintain their identity. Occupation encompasses not only careers or jobs but also activities such as travel, volunteering, sports, or caregiving. However, when individuals face limitations in their ability to participate or engage in meaningful activities, such as due to illness, it poses a threat to the active process and continued development of identity. Feeling socially unproductive can have detrimental effects on one's social identity. Importantly, the relationship between occupation and identity is bidirectional; occupation contributes to the formation of identity, while identity shapes decisions regarding occupational choices. Furthermore, individuals inherently seek a sense of control over their chosen occupation and strive to avoid stigmatizing labels that may undermine their occupational identity. '''

(This paragraph is rewritten below)

One implication of identity and of identity construction can be seen in occupational settings. This becomes increasing challenging in stigmatized jobs. or "dirty work". Individuals may choose or refuse a job based on the stigma it carries, or if they are already in a job that carries a particular negative sigma, they may arrive at a personal rationalization in order to justify their occupational choice. Tracy and Trethewey state that "individuals gravitate toward and turn away from particular jobs depending in part, on the extent to which they validate a "preferred organizational self". Some jobs carry different stigmas or acclaims. In her analysis Tracy uses the example of correctional officers trying to shake the stigma of "glorified maids". "The process by which people arrive at justifications of and values for various occupational choices." Among these are workplace satisfaction and overall quality of life. People in these types of jobs are forced to find ways in order to create an identity they can live with. "Crafting a positive sense of self at work is more challenging when one's work is considered "dirty" by societal standards". " In other words, doing taint management is not just about allowing the employee to feel good in that job. "If employees must navigate discourses that question the viability of their work, and/ or experience obstacles in managing taint through transforming dirty work into a badge of honor, it is likely they will find blaming the client to be an efficacious route in affirming their identity" . Due to the stigmatization surrounding occupational identity, some people prefer to not be defined by their occupation, but to be defined based on a balance of all their occupations, not only their job or work. Others may feel in crisis if they can no longer perform their occupation when their identity has been strongly tied to it. Herein, is the need for occupational identity to be an active process which involves adaptation and continuity.

re-write:

Navigating Stigma and Occupational Identity

'''In the realm of occupational identity, individuals make choices regarding employment based on the stigma associated with certain jobs. Likewise, those already working in stigmatized occupations may employ personal rationalization to justify their career path. Factors such as workplace satisfaction and overall quality of life play significant roles in these decisions. Individuals in such jobs face the challenge of forging an identity that aligns with their values and beliefs. Crafting a positive self-concept becomes more arduous when societal standards label their work as "dirty" or undesirable. Consequently, some individuals opt not to define themselves solely by their occupation but strive for a holistic identity that encompasses all aspects of their lives, beyond their job or work. On the other hand, individuals whose identity strongly hinges on their occupation may experience a crisis if they become unable to perform their chosen work. Therefore, occupational identity necessitates an active and adaptable process that ensures both adaptation and continuity amid shifting circumstances. '''

Factors Influencing the Concept of Identity
In any case, the concept that an individual as a unique identity developed relatively recently in history. Factors influencing the emphasis on personal identity may include: Re-write:
 * in the West, the Protestant stress on one's responsibility for one's own soul
 * psychology itself, emerging as a distinct field of knowledge and study from the 19th century onwards
 * the growth of a sense of privacy since the Renaissance
 * specialization of worker roles during the industrial period (as opposed, for example, to the undifferentiated roles of peasants in the feudal system)
 * employment and occupation can work together to have an effect on a person's identity. The introduction of the concept of occupation as identity by Christiansen in 1999
 * increased emphasis on gender identity, including gender dysphoria and transgender issues [citation needed]
 * "The relevance of identity problems in assessing and understanding personality pathology."

Factors Shaping the Concept of Identity

'''The notion of personal identity as a distinct and unique characteristic of individuals has evolved relatively recently in history. Several factors have influenced the emphasis placed on personal identity, including:'''


 * 1) Protestant Influence: In Western societies, the Protestant tradition has underscored individuals' responsibility for their own soul or spiritual well-being, contributing to a heightened focus on personal identity.
 * 2) Development of Psychology: The emergence of psychology as a separate field of knowledge and study starting in the 19th century has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of identity.
 * 3) Rise of Privacy: The Renaissance era witnessed a growing sense of privacy, leading to increased attention and importance placed on individual identities.
 * 4) Specialization in Work: The industrial period brought about a shift from undifferentiated roles in feudal systems to specialized worker roles. This change impacted how individuals identified themselves in relation to their occupations.
 * 5) Occupation and Identity: The concept of occupation as a crucial aspect of identity was introduced by Christiansen in 1999, highlighting the influence of employment and work roles on an individual's sense of self. 
 * 6) Focus on Gender Identity: There has been an increased emphasis on gender identity, including issues related to gender dysphoria and transgender experiences. These discussions have contributed to a broader understanding of diverse identities.
 * 7) Relevance of Identity in Personality Pathology: Understanding and assessing personality pathology has highlighted the significance of identity problems in comprehending individuals' psychological well-being.

Personal Notes
Other topics to research:


 * Adoption and Identity
 * Value of Identity
 * see reference # 6 Identity: definition, for more info

PEER REVIEWS:

Djward21: Main comments pertain to: abundance of straight quotes in the Lead. Lack of adequate citations. Disorganized headings.

In response I have rewritten the LEAD paragraphs in my own words and reorganized the headings. I will continue to look for more updated references.

Deezytings: Main comments pertain to: adding a info about how individual value identity to further explain equity gaps.

In response I have further organized and edited the section on Changes to Identity (under Implications) which could have a subsection on the Value of Identity. If I have the time before this assignment is due I will explore this area further; however, I imagine it would take some time to include a new section and I would like to use my time to compete the sections that I have begun to focus on.

Skycbradford: Main comments pertain to: including more recent references and rewriting the paragraph under Occupational Identity that includes a lot of quotations.

In response I have rewritten and condensed this paragraph removing the references to the authors themselves which make appear more like an essay.

Wmosely001: no review provided

Awatson723: Main comments pertain to, inconsistent citations, lack of clarity and organization, need to further expansion and concepts, better development of the section on implications, that the article ends abruptly. (She was commenting on the article overall, not my edits specifically.)

In response I have tried to better organize and clarify the sections I am currently working on. I have done this by moving paragraphs around, editing them by rewriting and adding to the information that was originally presented. I have especially focused on the implications section, and if time allows I would like to expand on topics listed under Identity Changes. I will also be adding more current citations.

Instructor feedback:

''Great work on the additions proposed so far! I have included my feedback in-line with the text in italics and strikethrough. You have cited numerous examples of peer-reviewed secondary literature, but I do have some concerns that most are older and many are behind pay walls. I would encourage you to consider finding additional sources published in the last ten years. Overall, great work on this assignment!''