Deck 4: How Is Culture Related to Our Identities

Question 1

Define identity.

Answer 1

Identity can be defined in various contexts, but at its core, it refers to the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks, and expressions that make a person (self-identity) or a group (collective identity) distinct from others. In philosophy, identity is the concept that provides a logical framework for understanding personal identity and the self. It encompasses the aspects that make an individual unique and recognizable to themselves over time despite any changes that may occur.

In a sociological context, identity relates to how individuals see themselves within the social constructs around them, including race, gender, nationality, religion, and culture. It is often shaped by personal choices and experiences, but also by the society and culture one lives in.

In psychology, identity is closely related to self-concept, which is an individual's perception of themselves. It is a collection of beliefs about oneself that includes elements such as academic performance, gender roles and sexuality, and racial identity.

In the digital world, identity can also refer to the information used by computer systems to represent an external agent – that is, the data representing a person or entity that is used for authentication and access to systems and resources.

Identity is not static; it can evolve and change over time due to personal development, new experiences, and different contexts. The formation of identity is a complex and ongoing process that is central to the human experience.

Question 2

Briefly explain what it means when we say that communication is constitutive of our social identities or social roles.

Answer 2

No Answer

Question 3

Briefly explain and give an example of the two types of identity discussed in the text.

Answer 3

No Answer

Question 4

Explain the differences between the two pathways to identity.

Question 5

Give an example of the two different types of ascription.

Question 6

Explain the difference between role expectations and language expectations.

Question 7

Explain and give an example of how identities can intersect to position a person in to a greater or lesser position of privilege.

Question 8

Briefly explain the relationship between communication and identity according to both the reflective and constitutive perspectives.

Question 9

According to the text, our social identities or roles carry with them powerful _________ for behavior.

Question 10

The two types of identity discussed in the text are personal and ____________.

Question 11

When we assume that a person's actions will mirror their identity we have a ____________ perspective on identity.

Question 12

The two types of identity are:

A) Social and Personal
B) Personal and Formal
C) Internal and External
D) Formal and Informal

Question 13

Which are the two forms of ascription?

A) Monoactive and Multiactive
B) Reactive and Multiactive
C) Proactive and Reactive
D) Multiactive and Proactive

Question 14

Which of these is not one of the universal face needs discussed in the text?

A) Admiration
B) Autonomy
C) Solidarity
D) Justice

Question 15

Avowal refers to:

A) The identities other people put on us
B) Asserting certain identities for ourselves
C) The negative ideas people have of us because of our identities
D) The ability to change identities based on the context

Question 16

Ascription refers to:

A) Our communal identities
B) The identities people in power have in the community
C) Our personal identities
D) The identities that people attribute to us or that we attribute to others

Question 17

The text maintains that identities are:

A) the image by which we recognize ourselves and others
B) Who we really are
C) Grounded in the interplay between similarities and differences
D) A and C

Question 18

When our communication stems out of who we basically are we may say that our communication is reflective of our identity.

Question 19

According to Social Identity Theory, when minority groups are faced with a negative identity they will always try to join the majority group.

Question 20

Intersectionality is the idea that at important intersections in our life we will communicate in ways that reflect our true selves.