Topic Summaries

The self, identity, and difference

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Culture and identity > The self, identity, and difference
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Exam overview
  • Symbolic interactionism:
    • šŸ‘¤ Mead (1934) argues the self develops through social interaction, with the ‘I’ representing the personal self and the ‘me’ representing the social self shaped by others’ expectations.
      • Criticised for underestimating the influence of structural factors like class
    • šŸ‘¤ Cooley’s (1902) ‘looking-glass self’ suggests we form our self-image based on how we think others see us.
      • Difficult to measure and can be influenced by inaccurate perceptions
    • šŸ‘¤ Goffman’s (1959) dramaturgical model describes social life as performance, where people manage impressions in front of an audience.
      • Over-emphasises fluid identity and underplays stable aspects
  • Gender: is socially constructed through socialisation in the family, education, media, and peers. Feminists argue this process maintains male dominance.
    • Gender fluidity challenges the fixed binary model
  • Ethnicity: ethnicity refers to shared culture, heritage, and identity. šŸ‘¤ Modood (1994) notes increasing hybrid identities in multicultural societies.
    • Racial discrimination can still limit opportunities
  • Age: identities are linked to life stages, each with different roles and expectations.
    • Age identities vary significantly between cultures and over time
  • Disability: šŸ‘¤ Oliver’s (1990) social model sees disability as created by societal barriers rather than individual impairment.
    • The medical model focuses on individual limitations and can overlook discrimination
  • Social class: šŸ‘¤ Bourdieu (1977) links lifestyle and taste to habitus, shaped by class position.
    • Postmodernists claim class has less influence on identity in consumer societies
  • Sexuality: šŸ‘¤ Weeks (1986) argues sexuality is an important identity marker and has become more diverse in expression.
    • Cultural attitudes still restrict openness in some places
  • Nationality: is based on shared history, symbols, and traditions.
    • Globalisation can weaken national identities

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