PastPaper.question 1 · Conceptual / Applied Essay
15 PastPaper.marksWith reference to the area of inquiry 'Belonging', discuss how the concept of identity is negotiated in response to a contemporary real-world issue, grounding your discussion in at least one ethnographic example.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
To construct a high-scoring response, students should follow a structured essay format: 1. Introduction: Define the area of inquiry ('Belonging') and the key concept ('identity'). Introduce the chosen real-world issue and state the thesis regarding how identity is negotiated, contested, or maintained. 2. Ethnographic Case Study: Introduce a specific, contemporary ethnographic example (e.g., Liisa Malkki's work on Hutu refugees, or more recent ethnographies on digital diasporas or climate-induced displacement). 3. Analysis: Analyze how boundaries of belonging are drawn and redrawn. Discuss how individuals or groups assert agency, perform identity, or resist marginalization in response to the chosen issue. Use relevant anthropological theories (such as social constructivism, structural violence, or translocality). 4. Evaluation and Conclusion: Critically evaluate the complexities of belonging in a globalized world, acknowledging multiple intersecting identities (class, gender, ethnicity) and summarize key insights.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Marks are awarded according to the following assessment criteria: [13-15 marks]: The response shows a sophisticated understanding of 'Belonging' and 'identity'. The ethnographic example is highly appropriate, detailed, and seamlessly integrated into a critical analysis of a contemporary real-world issue. The argument is nuanced, evaluative, and demonstrates excellent anthropological insight. [10-12 marks]: The response demonstrates a clear understanding of the concepts and the chosen area of inquiry. The ethnographic case study is well-detailed and applied analytically to the real-world issue, though some evaluation may be less developed. [7-9 marks]: The response shows a basic understanding of the concepts. An ethnographic example is present but is described rather than fully analyzed. The connection to the contemporary issue is established but lacks depth. [4-6 marks]: The response is primarily descriptive with a superficial grasp of 'Belonging' or 'identity'. The ethnographic example is weak, generalized, or lacks specific detail. [1-3 marks]: The response shows minimal understanding of the prompt, lacks focus, and does not effectively utilize anthropological concepts or ethnography. [0 marks]: The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors above.