Identity Is A Long Process Of Exploration And Discovery

What is Identity? Identity is really a complex thing and can’t be as simple as just asking someone who they are as Swartz mentions in his writing, â€Å"What is Identity.† Asking someone the question of who they are barely scrapes the surface of that person’s identity. This poses the internal subconscious thought in many of â€Å"who am I?† When asking oneself â€Å"who am I,† one might think in less complex terms such as; personality, race, ethnicity, culture etc. as the main focus to describe who they are. However, there are many complex elements that contribute to defining a person and who this person claims to be. In order to define ourselves, we must search deeper. Developing into who we are is a long process of exploration and discovery. In order†¦show more content†¦During the earlier development stages, we tend to explore our values, morals, spirituality, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexuality, and gender. While exploring different aspects of ou rselves, we also have the need to conform to society in order to fit in. Identity development, according to Schwartz’ article, is more likely to evolve from â€Å"imitation and internalization of values and beliefs from parents and other authority figures (Schwartz, 98).† Social Identity is the key element in identity development. There are many types of identity categories, which include; ethnicity and religion, political affiliation, vocations and avocations, relationships, and stigmatized identity (Deaux, 2). A social identity is generally a way of categorizing a group of people who share similar identities. However, it is more than just a label. Social identity had various implications for the person who affiliates with a certain identity and for others who view them as a member of certain categories. The social identity categories can be the foundation for cognitive beliefs, emotional associations, and behavioral consequences (Deaux, 4). The learning aspects of social identity are extensive and can vary in terms of personality, attitude, and memories. Social identities are developed and defined in a social setting, many of these aspects are shared. Each of us associate with multiple identities. Someone can identify themselves based on