2. 1. The set of behavioural or personal characteristics by
which an individual is recognizable as a member of a
group.
2. The quality or condition of being the same as
something else.
3. The distinct personality of an individual regarded as
a persisting entity; individuality.
How do these definitions contradict each other?
3. Is your identity created or does it evolve naturally?
How is identity formed?
Who or what influences your identity?
Are we born with our identities or do we acquire them
along the way? (Nature vs. Nurture)
4. The construction of a personal identity can be
somewhat difficult / problematic
Young people are surrounded by influential imagery
Can you think of any examples of this?
It is no longer possible for an identity to just be
constructed in a small community and influenced by a
family
Everything concerning our lives is ‘media saturated’
Can you explain this comment?
5. • When constructing an identity, young people make use of
imagery derived from popular media. Hamley states that;
• “It is becoming increasingly common for young
children to have their own television and music
systems in their bedrooms whilst also having easy and
frequent access to magazines especially aimed at the
‘developing’ child and/or teenager.
• “Such young people would also have a way of
accessing the Internet be it at school or sometimes at
home. However, it is fair to say that in some instances
the freedom of exploring the web could be limited
depending on the choice of the parents or teachers.”
6. “If young people have such frequent access and an interest
in the media, it is fair to say that their behaviour and their
sense of ‘self’ will be influenced to some degree by what
they see, read, hear or discover for themselves”
This can affect the way they behave, dress or the kind of music they
may listen to.
These are aspects which go together to construct a person’s own
personal identity.
Can you think of any examples of this?
This article was written in 2003. Can you think of any changes
that have affected ‘young peoples’ access to media since then?
7. He classifies identity as an ‘ambiguous and slippery’ term;
Identity is something unique to each of us, but also implies
a relationship with a broader group;
Identity can change according to our circumstances;
Can you think of any examples of this?
Online identity
Professional identity
Personal identity
Identity is fluid and is affected by broader changes;
Identity becomes more important to us if we feel it is
threatened;
8. “Identity is complicated everybody thinks they’ve
got one”
Religious and national identities are at the heart of
major international conflicts
The average teenager can create numerous identities in a
short space of time (Especially using the Internet, social
networking sites, etc.)
We like to think we are unique, but Gauntlett questions
whether this is an illusion, and we are all much more
similar than we think.
10. “Britishness is a term referring to a sense of national
identity of the British people, and common culture of
the UK”
Frederic P. Miller, Britishness: British People, Culture of
the United Kingdom (2009)
Has the perception of Britishness changed over time?
In pairs think of some examples of this
11. From the ‘Stiff
Upper Lip’ to
‘Brits Abroad’
Is this a fair
image of the
development
of British
culture?
12. Britishness is a form of
identity so therefore
cannot be defined in
strict terms
It’s a flexible and
evolving term which
takes into account the
constantly changing
country
13. Think about your own personal identity and who or
what has influenced it.
Create an ‘Identity Box’ containing 3-4 things that have
affected or have become a part of your identity.
These will be presented to the class next lesson.
