The Oxford dictionary defined the theme as the fact of being who or what a person or thing is. In the word of James .D. Fearon, he sees identity as a social category defined by membership rules and alleged characteristic attributes or expected behaviours.
In the opinion of Jenkins (1996.4) refers to it as the ways individuals or collectivities are distinguished in their social relationship with other individuals and collectivities. While Deng (1995:1) sees identity as what is used to describe the way individuals and groups define themselves and are defined by others on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, language and culture.
Also, according to Hogg and Abrams (1988:2) identity is people's concept of who they are, of what sort of people they are and how they relate to others. It can also be the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones as under varying aspects or conditions.
Table of Contents
- IDENTITY
- THE HISTORY OF IDENTITY
- CIVILIZATION
- INTEGRITY
- WRITING LEGACY
- PERFORMANCE
- BUSINESS
- CAREERS
- RELIGION
- CELEBRITY
- AS BEHAVIOUR
- ASPIRING
- ACADEMIC STATUS
- DUAL BEHAVIOUR
Objectives and Key Themes
This text explores the multifaceted concept of identity, examining its historical evolution, societal implications, and personal significance. It investigates how identity is shaped by various factors, including cultural traditions, religious beliefs, professional roles, and individual choices. The text aims to demonstrate the importance of maintaining a positive identity and the consequences of neglecting or compromising it.
- The definition and historical development of identity
- The impact of civilization and religion on identity formation
- The relationship between identity and integrity, legacy, and performance
- Identity in various social contexts: business, careers, religion, and celebrity
- The duality of identity and the consequences of negative choices
Chapter Summaries
IDENTITY: This introductory chapter defines identity from various scholarly perspectives, highlighting its significance as a social construct shaped by membership, attributes, and behaviors. It establishes the multifaceted nature of identity and its importance in social relationships, emphasizing how individuals and groups define themselves and are defined by others based on numerous factors.
THE HISTORY OF IDENTITY: This section traces the concept of identity from infancy, emphasizing the role of naming ceremonies and ancestral affiliations in shaping individual identities, particularly within African cultures. It contrasts traditional naming practices with the influence of modern civilization and religion, illustrating how identity evolves in response to societal changes.
CIVILIZATION: This chapter examines the shift in identity formation from traditional to religious and academic names in modern society. It explores the societal reasons behind this change, including beliefs about the power of names and the influence of spiritual perspectives on self-perception and identity construction.
INTEGRITY: This chapter explores identity through the lens of integrity. It argues that individuals who value integrity maintain their identities, striving to uphold their reputation and personal values. The chapter uses the example of President Muhammadu Buhari's election victory to illustrate how a strong sense of integrity can positively influence public perception and achieve success.
WRITING LEGACY: This section connects identity to the creation of a lasting legacy. It argues that some writers strive to leave a permanent mark on the world through their literary works, creating a lasting identity beyond their physical existence. The chapter cites examples of influential writers and historical figures whose works continue to shape society.
PERFORMANCE: This chapter analyzes identity through the prism of leadership and governance, contrasting "builders" who value their legacy with "destroyers" who disregard it. It uses the example of Nigeria's educational system to illustrate how the actions of leaders can either build upon or dismantle positive societal legacies, highlighting the impact of identity on governance.
BUSINESS: This chapter explores the importance of identity within corporate organizations, focusing on the efforts of financial institutions to maintain their reputation and avoid actions that could damage their image or lead to legal repercussions. It highlights the prioritization of reputation and public perception in business.
CAREERS: This chapter focuses on the importance of identity within the military profession. It discusses the role of public relations in managing public perception and countering any negative portrayals or impersonations that could damage the organization's identity.
RELIGION: This chapter examines the role of identity within religious organizations. It discusses how religious groups strive to maintain their identities in the face of negative portrayals, using the example of the Muslim faith's response to extremism to illustrate the importance of preserving a positive image.
CELEBRITY: This chapter explores the concept of identity in the context of fame and celebrity. It explains how celebrities often carefully manage their public image to maintain their reputation and avoid any negative consequences for their career and personal lives.
AS BEHAVIOUR: This chapter examines identity from a philosophical perspective, comparing it to the concept of a speed limit preventing reckless driving. It emphasizes that an individual's behavior determines their reputation and social circles, stressing the importance of positive conduct.
ASPIRING: This chapter presents a poetic reflection on the value of identity and the rewards of maintaining a positive reputation. It uses the imagery of food and celebration to illustrate the long-term benefits of positive identity and the respect it garners.
ACADEMIC STATUS: This chapter views identity in terms of academic achievement and social standing. It argues that individuals with high academic standing carefully protect their reputations and strive to make positive contributions to society.
DUAL BEHAVIOUR: This concluding chapter explores the concept of dual identities, contrasting positive public personas with negative private actions. It uses the example of a notorious armed robber to illustrate the detrimental consequences of negative choices on both individual and familial reputations.
Keywords
Identity, social identity, cultural identity, religious identity, integrity, legacy, performance, reputation, behavior, dual identity, societal impact, personal values, academic status, Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Identity
What is the main focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted concept of identity. It examines its historical evolution, societal implications, and personal significance, considering how various factors—cultural traditions, religious beliefs, professional roles, and individual choices—shape identity. The text emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive identity and the consequences of neglecting or compromising it.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The text covers a wide range of topics related to identity, including its historical development, the influence of civilization and religion, the relationship between identity and integrity, legacy, and performance. It also examines identity in various social contexts such as business, careers, religion, celebrity, and explores the duality of identity and the consequences of negative choices. Specific chapter titles include Identity, The History of Identity, Civilization, Integrity, Writing Legacy, Performance, Business, Careers, Religion, Celebrity, As Behaviour, Aspiring, Academic Status, and Dual Behaviour.
What are the key objectives and themes?
The key objectives are to define and trace the historical development of identity; analyze the impact of civilization and religion on identity formation; explore the relationship between identity and integrity, legacy, and performance; examine identity in various social contexts; and understand the duality of identity and consequences of negative choices. Key themes revolve around the multifaceted nature of identity, its construction and evolution across time and cultures, and the importance of maintaining a positive and consistent sense of self.
What is the content of each chapter?
Each chapter delves into a specific aspect of identity. For instance, the "Identity" chapter provides a foundational definition; "The History of Identity" traces its development; "Civilization" explores the shift in identity formation in modern society; "Integrity" links identity to moral principles; "Writing Legacy" connects identity to lasting contributions; "Performance" examines identity in leadership; "Business," "Careers," and "Religion" explore identity within their respective contexts; "Celebrity" examines identity in the public eye; "As Behaviour" explores the philosophical aspects; "Aspiring" offers a poetic reflection; "Academic Status" focuses on identity linked to achievement; and "Dual Behaviour" concludes by discussing contrasting public and private identities.
What keywords are associated with this text?
The keywords include Identity, social identity, cultural identity, religious identity, integrity, legacy, performance, reputation, behavior, dual identity, societal impact, personal values, academic status, and Nigeria (reflecting the examples used).
How does the text define identity?
The text defines identity from various scholarly perspectives, highlighting its significance as a social construct shaped by membership, attributes, and behaviors. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of identity and its importance in social relationships, acknowledging how individuals and groups define themselves and are defined by others.
What examples are used to illustrate the concepts?
The text uses numerous examples to illustrate the concepts, including President Muhammadu Buhari's election victory (integrity), influential writers and historical figures (writing legacy), Nigeria's educational system (performance), the Muslim faith's response to extremism (religion), and a notorious armed robber (dual behavior). These examples are used to demonstrate the practical applications of the theoretical concepts discussed.
Who is the intended audience for this text?
While not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the text, including chapter summaries and keywords, suggests an academic audience interested in the social sciences, sociology, or cultural studies. The structured approach and scholarly perspectives further support this conclusion.
What is the overall conclusion of the text?
The overall conclusion emphasizes the significant impact of identity on individual lives and society. The text highlights the importance of maintaining a positive identity, upholding integrity, and acknowledging the potential consequences of negative choices on one's reputation and overall well-being.
- Quote paper
- Olusegun Adeyemi Hosea (Author), 2019, Identity. The History of Identity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/490260
