My Social Identities
My Social Identities: Deaux’s article “Social Identity” not only introduced you to various social identity categories but also to some theories concerning the nature of social identities. You learned that all social identities affect your thinking,
Application: My Social Identities
Deaux’s article “Social Identity” not only introduced you to various social identity categories but also to some theories concerning the nature of social identities. You learned that all social identities affect your thinking, your emotions, and your behavior. For example, you may or may not share the way people attribute certain characteristics to specific social identities; one or more of your social identities may evoke strong emotions in you, and different social identities may influence you to behave in certain ways.
With this information in mind, review the social identities you listed in the Reflection Assignment, and consider the following questions:
- Which of your social identities did you assume, i.e., have you chosen? Which ones have been ascribed, i.e., given to you, by others and/or by circumstances?
- Which ones, if any, cannot be so clearly categorized, and for what reason(s)?
- Which social identities, if any, afford you advantages and/or disadvantages, and in what ways?
- Considering that society attributes certain stereotypical traits to different social identities, at this point in the course, which of your social identities do you believe conforms most/least to the stereotypical traits attributed to it by society—and in what ways?
- Which one of your social identities evokes deep, strong emotions, and in what ways does this emotional connection manifest itself in your life?
- In what way(s) do any or all of your social identities influence your behavior when you are with people who are like you/different from you—and in what ways do other people’s or groups’ behaviors influence your social roles?
Once you have spent some time reflecting on these questions, summarize your responses and add at least one new insight or question related to the connections you perceive between social identities and diversity.
Submit your summary and insights/questions.
Answer preview
Deaux article on social identity captures most if not all the aspects of social identities. Social identities are based with how one group himself with others or how others group you. They are mostly based on what you have in common with others (Deaux, 2011). I have various social identities that I have chosen to myself whilst there are others that have been ascribed to me. I have chosen to be socially identified to Manchester United as a diehard fan. This has given a kind of emotional attachment to the club…
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