1. Understandings of Identity

2. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies2 To What Extent are Ideology and Identity Interrelated? Question for Inquiry #1 What is the relationship between ideology and my identity? Question for Inquiry #2 What factors influence individual and collective beliefs and values? Question for Inquiry #3 What themes and characteristics should my ideology include?

3. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies3 Personal Identity – is the idea you have of yourself as a unique individual Collective Identity – is one that you share with other people as a member of a larger social group, such as linguistic, cultural, or ethnic group

4. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies4 Factors that may influence individual and collective beliefs and values Religion Spirituality Gender Relationship to land Ideology Environment Media Language Culture Personal Identity

5. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies5 Family Influence What impact does an individual’s family have on his or her beliefs and values? How much influence do you think your parents’ ideas have had on your own beliefs and values? Is it possible to explain why two individuals from the same family are often so different?

6. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies6 Gender Gender and gender roles are important elements of determining a person’s identity. Social and cultural values influence many aspects of our lives in terms of what is acceptable or permissible for each gender in our society.

7. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies7 Religion and Spirituality The world’s major religions and spiritual traditions teach moral systems to influence their actions towards others. In this way, people’s beliefs and values may be shaped in some ways by religious teachings. Spirituality or religion can also provide a basis upon which an individual may choose to identify oneself (group ideology).

8. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies8 Environment Concern for the environment has led to an environmental movement that has transcended raising social awareness. Political parties such as the Green Party have sought public office to influence the debate on this issue. NGOs such as Greenpeace also raise awareness about issues and attempt to influence public opinion, which, in turn, puts more pressure on politicians to act.

9. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies9 Relationship to Land Different societies have fostered a greater connection to the earth and its resources. Aboriginal people, for example, have a long relationship to the land and their cultural and spiritual beliefs are intricately tied to their association with the earth. How we connect to the land and our experiences with the environment determine some of our beliefs and values.

10. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies10 Language and Ideology Language is much more than just a means by which one can communicate within a collective. Linguists and anthropologists also believe that language has a tremendous impact on the way people view and understand the world around them (worldview)

11. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies11 Language thus has an impact on our ideology because our beliefs and values are formulated through our perceptions of the world and our place in it. Also, being part of a linguistic majority or linguistic minority shapes elements of one’s identity. Attempts to preserve cultural and linguistic identity also manifest themselves in political documents (ie. Charter of Rights)

12. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies12 Media Media such as television and the internet have a tremendous impact in shaping people’s understanding of the world. The means by which people receive their information profoundly influences their understanding of it (Marshall McLuhan). Media is also very much subject to manipulation due to the dominance of a small group of corporations controlling a large portion of the world’s media.

13. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies13 Pluralism – the idea that a variety of people are free to affirm and promote their customs, traditions, beliefs, and language within a society

14. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies14 Government Shaping Identity Canada has embraced the concept of pluralism, which is manifested in its adoption of the world’s first Multicultural Policy (1971). Diversity is celebrated in modern Canadian culture, thus demonstrating a shift in ideology from early Canadian immigration policies.