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Intercultural Communication and Global Understanding 5. Identity Subsections: What is identity? Cultural identity Ethnic identity Identification The importance of context Multiple identities Identities develop in stages Societal/structural perspective of identity Communication perspectives of identity Identity matching theory Chapter 5 Assessment What is identity? Social psychologists define identity as a combination of personal self and group membership. Identity refers to how we see ourselves and how others see us, or the relationship between the personal and societal.

Gender is part of identity Courtesy of T U R K A I R O o// There are several aspects to identity. Psychologists further specify aspects identity related to membership and behavior. Group membership includes things like “culture,†â€gender,†“class,†as determinants of identity. This juxtaposes the collective self vs. the individual self. It distinguishes between social relationships and independence.

Identities are also bound up in culture. Cultural identity Cultural identity can be with an ethnic group or some other social grouping one belongs to that one identifies closely with. Ethnic identity is the degree to which one feels a sense of belonging to a specific group bound together by a shared language, religious faith, history, set of traditions, values, and symbols, religion, and nationality. Cultural identity also considers the extent to which an individual engages in behaviors associated with a group and the degree to which one actively participates in the behaviors, practices, and traditions associated with a group. There are many different words to describe the different backgrounds or ethnic groups that people come from.

Some are based on heritage, while others come from personal choice. Some labels are specific, some are broad, for example, Mexican, French Canadian, Jewish, Hispanic, African American, Asian, Ethiopian, Korean American, Okinawan, Indian, European American. Cultural Identity- at All Culture’s Day Courtesy of Infomatique Every person is born into an ethnic group, or sometimes into multiple groups, yet people differ with regard to how important their ethnicity is to them, how they feel about it, and how much it affects their behavior. Ethnic Identity The focus here is on ethno-cultural identification or ethnic identity. Ethnicity and race are often used interchangeably.

Race has to do with the assignment of biology, whereas ethnicity has to do with a smaller subunit of individuals. Focus on common geographical origin is broader— language, religious faith, history, shared traditions, values, and symbols, literature, settlement patterns–nationality, religious, cultural associations. Ethnic identity refers to the degree to which an individual self-identifies with a referent ethnic group (e.g. religion, geographical region, reference group). Shishiami Courtesy of Mullenedheim CC-AT-2.0 Ethno-cultural identity moves beyond the attitudinal level of strength of attachment to an ethnic group. It refers to the extent to which an individual engages in behaviors associated with a group or practices a way of life associated with a particular cultural tradition.

It includes the perception of belonging to or identifying with one group as distinct from other groups. Behaviors and guiding values are stressed here. It can be ethnic, cultural, or gender group. Acculturation, relevant when cultures come into contact, refers to an individual’s adjustment or fit with the referent minority and majority group cultures. Identification Identification with a cultural group is based on multiple factors, including attitude, value, and behavioral components.

Some researchers assert that individuals who subjectively feel attached to a cultural group validate their attitude by engaging in practices or behaviors associated with the particular group. Could also be that individuals, for whatever reason, engage in cultural practices and behaviors without a preexisting awareness of strong cultural identity. Identity may develop from exposure to and involvement with these practices. Behaviors and attitudes are manifestations of identity with an ethno- cultural group. Jewish Culture Courtsy of Premasager masphere// Identity is expressed in a large array of behavioral domains: language, dress, social relations.

These expressed behaviors are ethnic role behaviors and involve participation in various behaviors that manifest ethnic cultural values, styles, customs, and traditions, and language. Behavior represents identity and identity represents behavior. There is an increase in participating in activities associated with heritage, as the member makes an active effort. Bolivian Group at the Parade of Cultures Courtesy of Travel Aficionado The importance of context A person’s identity may not fall neatly into one group all the time. Behaviors attached to different groups may differ, for example speaking an ethnic language, or shopping at store, or going to school in the U.S. as identification with U.S.

Participation in mainstream behaviors may increase identification or decrease it. People with multiple identities may select signs of the identity most appropriate to the situation. In a study of mixed heritage students, responses regarding their identity differed depending on the context, be it official, informal, or intimate. We may suppress our identity to blend into a mainstream cultural society, but when with family, bring out our ethnic identity. We learn our ethno-cultural identity through socialization.

Identity is important to reaching people, in terms of communication, service, health care, culturally appropriate service delivery, etc. For example, providing Spanish-language advertising to a Cuban- American who does not identify herself as a Spanish-speaking Cuban American. Native American Woman’s Dress Courtesy of Catface3 holloway// Multiple identities Mixed ethnicity and multicultural allegiance refers to a person who identifies with several ethno-cultural groups, sometimes after prolonged exposure to a different culture. In Hawaii, for example, 40% of a university student sample self-identified with more than one ethnic group. A study using samples from Hawaii and New Mexico found that individuals of mixed ethnicity and bicultural socialization did not exhibit negative personality traits or poor adjustment. They even demonstrated less ethnocentrism and more exposure to and liking of Hispanic and Asian cultures. Studies done on acculturation of immigrant groups found that identification with the mainstream culture and one’s traditional ethno-cultural group is indicative of positive well-being. Bolivian Group at the Parade of Cultures Courtesy of Travel Aficionado _aficionado// What are the consequences if we uphold this notion of identity as behavior? What should the criteria be? Is there a danger of defining identity as entirely based on behavior?

Identities develop in stages Gender identities form between 1-3 years. Ethnic & racial identities form between 7-9 years. Do you remember when you realized you are ethnically different? Socialization activities kick in as you mature as an adult, and they may change over time. Marriage may also affect it.

Think of the majority identity as a national “American†identity and the minority identity as that of a subculture within a nation (e.g., in terms of class, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual identity, region). Identity Development Model Type of Identity Development Majority Identity Minority Identity Stage of Identity Development Unexamined Identity May be aware of difference between groups Accepts own position and attitudes/values transmitted to them Unexamined Identity Initial acceptance of values and attitudes of majority culture Desire to assimilate Stage of Identity Development Acceptance Internalization of group norms and rules Strong identification with group. Unconscious, passive acceptance or conscious, active acceptance (expresses superiority) Conformity •Internalization of group norms and rules given to them Strong desire to assimilate into dominant group May experience self-deprecation or self-hatred or resentment Stage of Identity Development Resistance Major shift in attitude, blames its own dominant group and values/attitudes for being unfair and unjust to others.

May resist reconceptualizing their surroundings or actual behavioral change against its own set of rules. Resistance/Separatism Increased awareness that dominant group values are not beneficial for them Frustration with the dominant group's way of doing things Increased solidarity with own group Type of Identity Development Majority Identity Minority Identity Stage of Identity Development Redefinition Attempts to redefine norms/rules/social practices Tries to re-frame own group in a more positive light Integration Strong sense of his or her own group identity and an appreciation of other cultural groups. Positive outlook Confident/secure Wants to eliminate all injustice Stage of Identity Development Integration Achieves an integrated sense of who they are Appreciates other groups Societal/structural perspective of identity Societal structures and communities recognize and identify us in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, among other aspects of identity.

There is a politics of identity, or a hierarchy of criteria for identifying who is an authentic member and who is not. Such identity politics are created and reproduced in larger structures and within communities themselves (one can come from the other and vice versa—internalization of a structure). Communication perspectives of identity Identity is created through communication with others. It is shaped by core symbols, labels, and other elements of culture. Identity resides within social interaction, as people behave, act, doing of a cultural identity.

Others must recognize such enactment, and as a real cultural member, you must recognize others' actions as being real or not real. Groups display reticence with regard to interaction with strangers and acceptance of obligations. A high value is placed on attaining harmony in face-to-face relations, modesty and "doing one's own part,†taking on familial relations, observing, permissible and required silence. Identity matching theory An identity is only an identity when one’s avowed identity matches her or her her ascribed identity. An avowed identity refers to a person’s perception of her or his self (their self-image). An ascribed identity refers to others’ perceptions of you. If your ascription of one’s identity matches her or his avowed identity, it is likely that you will have a successful intercultural interaction (if you affirm the most salient identity in a conversation). Endnotes Weider, D. L. & Pratt, S. (1990). "On Being a Recognizable Indian Among Indians." In D.

Carbaugh (Ed.), Cultural communication and intercultural contact (pp.45-64). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. Identity & Intercultural Communication: Identity Mapping COMM 174 – Module/Unit #4 Dr. Halualani 1 What is Identity? Identity as: Personal Self Group Membership Think of all the labels you would use to describe who you are or your identity.

2 What is Identity? We all have multiple identities. It’s human nature to want to “fit in†as well as to be unique. Some identities are visible, others are less apparent. Some identities are accepted, some are taboo.

You continually gain, lose, or change certain aspects of your identity, while others are fixed. Context shapes identities. 3 Social Identity Mapping Exercise What is Identity? The labels you thought of are likely context-based or group oriented, social classifications. Next, take one of those labels – if you had to give one of those up, which one would it be and why?

Most individuals would not give up their ethnic identity. Think about the following questions: How do you know someone is a member of the same group? How do people know that you are a member of the group? What could account for the discrepancy between how you identify yourself and how someone else identifies you?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Intercultural communication serves as a cornerstone for fostering global understanding, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse identities. Central to this discourse is the concept of identity, which encompasses personal, cultural, ethnic, and societal dimensions. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of identity, its development, and its implications within intercultural exchanges, drawing upon theories and perspectives outlined in Chapter 5 and supplementary research.

Understanding the Concept of Identity

Identity, as defined by social psychologists, is a composite of personal self and group membership, reflecting how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. It encompasses various aspects such as cultural, ethnic, gender, and societal identities. For example, cultural identity pertains to the shared traditions, language, and practices of a group, while ethnic identity relates to a sense of belonging to a specific ethnic community characterized by shared history, language, and symbols. These identities are not static; they evolve over time through socialization processes and life experiences.

The Development of Identity

Identity development occurs in stages, beginning in early childhood. Gender identity typically forms between 1-3 years of age, while ethnic and racial identities develop between 7-9 years. As individuals mature, socialization activities—ranging from family interactions to broader societal influences—shape their attitudes toward their identities. Identity can also be influenced by structural factors such as societal hierarchies and politics, which can either privilege certain identities or marginalize others. Theories such as the identity development model describe stages from unexamined identity through acceptance, resistance, redefinition, and ultimately integration.

Multiplicity and Contextual Fluidity of Identity

Many individuals possess multiple identities, often intersecting, such as ethnicity, nationality, gender, and social class. Their salience depends on context; for example, someone may identify strongly with their ethnic group in cultural settings but adopt a more mainstream identity in professional environments. Socialization and experiences influence which aspects are expressed or suppressed in different situations. Studies on mixed ethnicity and bicultural socialization demonstrate that multiple identities can foster resilience, reduce ethnocentrism, and promote intercultural understanding.

Communication and Identity Formation

Identity is also constructed through communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Theories such as identity matching suggest that successful intercultural interactions depend on aligning perceived and self-identified attributes. Additionally, the political and social dimensions of identity highlight issues of authenticity, hierarchy, and power. For example, the politics of identity often entail debates over who qualifies as an authentic member of a community, influenced by societal norms and structures.

Implications for Intercultural Communication

A nuanced understanding of identity informs intercultural communication strategies. Recognizing the fluidity and multiplicity of identities can help avoid stereotypes and enhance mutual respect. Effective intercultural communication requires cultural sensitivity, acknowledgment of different identity narratives, and an appreciation of the contextual factors that shape individual self-perception. Moreover, awareness of identity development stages can guide practitioners in fostering inclusive and respectful dialogues across cultural divides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identity is a complex, multi-dimensional construct that evolves over time through social, cultural, and communication processes. Its understanding is vital for promoting intercultural understanding and reducing conflicts rooted in misperception or stereotyping. By appreciating the stages of identity development, the fluidity of multiple identities, and the influence of societal structures, individuals and organizations can better navigate the intricacies of intercultural exchanges, fostering a more inclusive and respectful global community.

References

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