Discussion Activity 5

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School

Western University *

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Course

1025

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

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Uploaded by BrigadierSquid2891

Discussion Activity #5 Identity as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “ the distinguishing character or personality of an individual” but as learned through anthropological work is so much more. Identity takes on many forms, can be very unique to the individual and is extremely intertwined within each person’s social life whether they realize it or not. Things such as gender, social class, ethnicity are all also part of a person’s identity, including my own. Firstly, my gender has a heavy influence on how I choose to present myself to the world, this includes clothing choices. Being that I identify as a woman, I generally will tend to wear clothing that is perceived as more ‘soft’ and ‘feminine’ such a dresses or skirts. Although this is how most of society expects a women should dress due to social norms that have been around for hundreds of years, to me it is also what I feel best in. Due to this, I will tend to ascribe to that part of my identity. If I did not, people close to me, would likely start to ask questions, and potentially be concerned as I have not done anything different my entire life. To others varying from it, could lead to a sense of liberation, self-expression but may also lead to scrutiny, discrimination because they are no longer upholding certain expectations. More to this idea, individuals of different socioeconomic backgrounds, may have access to different types of clothing or brands which affects how one person might be seen/judged by another. I am no exception to this; my social class also plays a role in how I choose to present myself. I have been fortunate enough that in my life, I have always been able to buy new clothing when needed and of “brand names” if I wanted. I feel as though this mainly influences the person when growing up as children are less aware of how money works and affects almost everything in a person’s life. Overall, our clothing choices are shaped by a complex interplay of different aspects of our identity, and deviating from societal expectations can have both positive and negative consequences.

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