The concept of Identity a Sociological Perspective on the Relationship Between Individual and Society
Uploaded by Jeem12 on Jan 11, 2012
The concept of identity can vary from the very physical, abstract and or logical depending on the primary focal point of discussion. Identity on its own may vary or differ and in some cases bear resemblance. These semblances may be results of biological (genetics), sociological, psychological and physiological dictates etc. In the case of an individual they may just describe the very characteristics by which they are known or identified externally, such as name, passport, bank account, job role, to name a few; whilst in social semblances, identities are fashioned by norms, values, beliefs etc. It is worthy to note that these identities can be shared by more than one individual or entity.
The objective of this essay is to illustrate issues that the concept of ‘Identity’ as the product of the relationship between the individual and society poses, in Sociological context. Therefore, the terms Identity, Individual and Society as applied in this essay are defined below for clarity.
In this essay, the term; Identity is defined as: the characteristics; or collective aspect of a set of characteristics by which an individual or group of individuals differ from or are similar to a social group (adapted – Simmel (1908). For instance, the Yorubas (West African tribe) have the characteristics of giving distinct facial marks on new born babies to identify them as belonging to the Yoruba tribes. Nigerian Yoruba (NY) tribal marks differ to Ghanaian Yoruba (GY). Therefore, a NY is distinct from a GY, though they both belong to the Yoruba tribe; i.e. the same marks that define them, also serve as boundaries. Jerkin’s (2008) assertion that classification is meaningless outside relationships supports this point. This can definitely define positively or negatively the way an individual’s identity is formed and how they co-relate with the society. Society on the one hand can be classified as the relationship between humans distinguishable from other groups and having a shared character, culture and institution.
For centuries, many, including the modern theorists, have toiled with the idea of a core ‘self’, which is viewed as the core entity of an individual, untouched by society. This can be looked at as individualism, people seeing themselves as different or unique due to the assumption that they control their own thinking and personality, and hence, are distinct. However, many sociologists have disputed the existence of a ‘self’ that is unrelated to social processes. George H. Mead’s...