Concept 4: Identity

Welcome to your study notes on Identity! This is one of the most fascinating concepts in Anthropology because it hits close to home—it is about how we define ourselves and how the world defines us. Whether you are an SL or HL student, understanding identity is crucial for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Don’t worry if it feels a bit "abstract" at first; we will break it down into manageable pieces.

What is Identity?

In Anthropology, Identity refers to the way individuals and groups define themselves, and how they are defined by others. According to the IB syllabus, identity is not a fixed "thing" you are born with. Instead, it is contestable, dynamic, and historically situated.

  • Contestable: People often disagree about who belongs to a certain group or what a certain identity means.
  • Dynamic: It changes over time. Your identity as a "student" is temporary; your identity regarding your culture might evolve as you travel or grow.
  • Historically Situated: Identity depends on the time and place you live in. Being a "citizen" meant something very different 200 years ago than it does today.

Analogy: Think of identity like a social media profile. Some parts you choose yourself (the bio), some parts are given to you by others (the comments and tags), and the whole thing can be edited or updated at any time.

Key Takeaway:

Identity is a starting point for inquiry, not a final answer. It is about the "Who am I?" and the "Who are we?" in relation to "Who are they?"

The Different Levels of Identity

Anthropologists look at identity across several different scales. When you are writing an exam answer, try to think about which level your ethnographic example is discussing:

  1. Individual: A person’s unique sense of self (often called personhood or the self).
  2. Community/Local: Identity based on your immediate surroundings, like your neighborhood, school, or a specific ethnic group.
  3. National: Your identity as a member of a nation-state (e.g., being Brazilian, Japanese, or French).
  4. Global/Regional: Identities that skip over borders, such as being "European" or a "Global Citizen" in a digital world.

Identity: The "Self" vs. The "Other"

A big part of identity is comparison. We often know who we are by identifying who we are not.
The Self: How I perceive my own being and agency.
The Other: A term used to describe people who are seen as different from oneself or one's group.
Anthropologists study how groups create "boundaries" to separate the "Self" from the "Other." This is often linked to the concept of Power (see the "Power" chapter for more on how some groups have the power to label others).

Big Questions: Why Does Identity Matter?

The concept of Identity helps us answer two of the IB’s "Big" Anthropological Questions:

1. What does it mean to be a person?

In some cultures, you are a "person" simply because you are born. In others, personhood is something you earn through rituals, age, or social contributions. Identity is the vehicle through which personhood is expressed.

2. How are we the same and different from each other?

Identity explores the tension between universal human experiences and the unique cultural labels we wear. It helps us understand why humans form "in-groups" and "out-groups."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Treating identity as biological.
    Correction: In Anthropology, we focus on identity as a social construction. Even things that seem biological (like race or gender) are given meaning through culture and society.
  • Mistake: Thinking identity is "fixed."
    Correction: Always use words like fluid, negotiated, or shifting. A person can be a mother, a doctor, and an immigrant all at the same time, shifting between these identities depending on the context.

Quick Review: The "Identity" Checklist

When analyzing an ethnographic text for identity, ask yourself:

  • Who is defining the identity? (The person themselves or an outside authority?)
  • How has this identity changed over time? (Is it dynamic?)
  • Where is this identity being expressed? (Local, national, or global level?)
  • What symbols or material objects are used to show this identity? (Cross-reference: Symbolism and Materiality).
Summary Key Takeaway:

Identity is the dynamic and contestable way that individuals and groups are defined. It is never "finished"; it is constantly being negotiated through Social Relations and Culture.