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
1. IDENTITY
2. THE HISTORY OF IDENTITY
3. CIVILIZATION
4. INTEGRITY
5. WRITING LEGACY
6. PERFORMANCE
7. BUSINESS
8. CAREERS
9. RELIGION
10. CELEBRITY
11. AS BEHAVIOUR
12. ASPIRING
13. ACADEMIC STATUS
14. DUAL BEHAVIOUR
15. HOW TO ACQUIRE IDENTITY
16. HOW TO MAINTAIN IDENTITY
Objectives and Topics
This work explores the multifaceted concept of identity, examining how personal reputation, cultural heritage, integrity, and social performance define an individual's place in society. It investigates how identity is formed, maintained, and influenced by modern societal structures and ethical choices.
- The historical and cultural roots of personal naming and identity.
- The impact of civilization and religious shifts on traditional identity.
- The role of integrity and ethical conduct in sustaining a positive public image.
- The legacy of leadership, performance, and professional excellence.
- Strategies for acquiring and preserving a reputable identity in contemporary society.
Excerpt from the book
PERFORMANCE
Furthermore, one can also see this subject matter as a concept of performance in term of leadership or governance. In every society there are two set of people living in such community: the first ones are the builders while the second groups are the destroyers. The builders value their identity and legacy they want to leave behind while they are out of this world. But the destroyers does not value their identity at all, for this reason whatever good work done by the builder the destroyer's plans is to destroy them totally because they do not value their identity. Our leaders in this current political dispensation have one time in the past enjoyed free education laid down by the founding fathers of this nation; people like (Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and Tafawa Balewa) but today our educational system is more costly than expensive perfume in the world. The good foundation laid down by the builder has now been destroyed by the so called the destroyer-leaders. The reason for this is that the concept of good identity does not appeal to them. Their mind is been controlled by corruption therefore, the idea of living good legacy behind does not concern them.
Summary of Chapters
IDENTITY: Defines identity through various scholarly perspectives as a social category based on membership, culture, and self-perception.
THE HISTORY OF IDENTITY: Examines the significance of naming conventions and ancestral traditions within the African context.
CIVILIZATION: Discusses the shift from traditional to religious naming conventions due to modern societal changes.
INTEGRITY: Argues that maintaining integrity is essential for preserving one's identity, citing public figures as examples.
WRITING LEGACY: Explores how literary contributions allow individuals to sustain their identity beyond their lifetime.
PERFORMANCE: Distinguishes between societal "builders" and "destroyers" based on their commitment to positive legacies.
BUSINESS: Analyzes how financial institutions value their reputation and identity to maintain trust and avoid public disgrace.
CAREERS: Highlights the importance of identity in professional spheres like the military to counter misinformation.
RELIGION: Examines how religious groups manage their identity amidst global challenges and extremist activities.
CELEBRITY: Focuses on the efforts of public figures to maintain a positive name and manage their public image.
AS BEHAVIOUR: Relates personal conduct and social choices to the long-term preservation of one's identity.
ASPIRING: Emphasizes the pursuit of a meaningful identity as a life-long goal worth striving for.
ACADEMIC STATUS: Discusses how professional achievements and status contribute to the value of an individual's name.
DUAL BEHAVIOUR: Highlights the dichotomy of individuals who maintain conflicting public and private personas.
HOW TO ACQUIRE IDENTITY: Outlines practical ways to build a reputable identity through skills, social responsibility, and hard work.
HOW TO MAINTAIN IDENTITY: Provides guidance on guarding one's name and avoiding negative associations to ensure a lasting legacy.
Keywords
Identity, Integrity, Reputation, Legacy, Social Performance, Cultural Heritage, Naming, Ethics, Leadership, Professionalism, Societal Values, Personal Conduct, Reputation Management, Character, Responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of identity, examining its various dimensions from cultural and historical naming traditions to its role in modern professional and personal conduct.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include integrity, the impact of cultural and religious shifts, the importance of legacy in leadership and literature, and the practical aspects of building and maintaining a positive reputation.
What is the main goal of the author?
The author aims to underscore the significance of a "good name" as an essential asset and to provide readers with insights into how their actions and decisions directly shape their future identity.
What methodology does the book employ?
The book utilizes a qualitative approach, combining scholarly definitions with philosophical insights, historical anecdotes, and contemporary examples from the Nigerian and global contexts.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers a wide range of fields including business, religion, career development, celebrity culture, and governance, illustrating how the concept of identity remains central in each of these diverse areas.
Which keywords best describe this publication?
The key concepts include identity formation, ethical integrity, legacy, reputation, and the influence of cultural values on individual behavior.
How does the author define the "builder" versus the "destroyer" in leadership?
The author defines "builders" as leaders who cherish their legacy and work for the betterment of society, whereas "destroyers" are driven by corruption and lack a concern for the lasting impact of their actions.
What advice does the book offer regarding the "Yahoo-Yahoo boys"?
The author uses this as a case study for "dual behavior," warning that such fraudulent activities destroy one's identity and future, ultimately urging individuals to guard their name jealously instead of seeking quick, unethical wealth.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Olusegun Adeyemi Hosea (Autor:in), 2019, Identity. The History of Identity, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/490260
