Globalization and Identity Social Studies 10-1

Our Identity Identity can be described as a collective set of characteristics by which a person (or group) is definitively recognizable or known. Each of us have our own unique identity shaped by our surroundings. In defining our self image, we take all the things that appeal to us in the world to create how we want to see ourselves.

What is your Identity? In order to truly understand globalization and its connection to identity, we must first understand our own individual identity. Assignment Read pages 19 – 22 of Exploring Globalization and complete the following task: Take 10 minutes and write down as many ideas that you can come up with that make you the person you are. Be prepared to share some of your responses!

Individual Expression We express our identity through many different ways: Language we speak Friends we choose The clothes we wear The food we eat The music we listen to The leisure activities we choose, etc….

Expressing through Traditions People express themselves through various traditions. These traditions range from eating certain foods, wearing specific clothing, to performing certain rituals. Individuals, families, and groups create their own traditions. What traditions do you follow? How is this an expression of your identity?

Expressing through Language Language is one of the most important aspects of our identity. Language expressed the way people view and understand the world around them. Different ideas may contain a different meaning in another culture. What aspect of your identity are you expressing when you speak English? If you speak another language what aspect of your identity are you expressing when you speak this language?

Expressing Individual Identity Clothing and body adornment are common ways that individuals express their identity.

Collective Expression of Identity The identity that you express may be a part of the larger collective. People are born into and often maintain their collective identities. They do this because they have established deep seeded values associated with their collective.

Identity in Context Think about the various contexts in which you interact with others. Your list might include the following: at home with family members at school in classes after school with a sports team or club at a house of worship with other worshippers at the mall with friends

In each of these contexts, you may be expressing an aspect of your collective identity. Each collective often has ground rules that its members accept without question. These “rules” may be written or unwritten, and they may be expressed in the form of customs, traditions, and rituals that affirm the beliefs and identity of members of the collective.

To Sum up…..