Monday, 3 March 2014

Identity is a Contested Concept

Identity is a contested concept. This means that there is no agreed way to define it. There are two concepts used to describe identity - sameness and difference.
The concept of sameness is based around the characteristics that you share with others such as dress sense, music taste etc. This is a very important part of identity as it can push people towards adopting different norms and values. Identity as sameness is also relative to when you meet someone for the first time; in the first conversations you have with a new person you tend to look for things you have in common, e.g. shared background or interests.
The concept of difference can be seen as the opposite. Identity as difference is when characteristics and features distinguish you and make you unique compared to the people around you.

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