Identity Work

Instructions: The process through which we ( and others we interact with) construct our identities- verbally, physically, textually( In social media), symbolically( symbols things that are associated with us that give us meanings), behaviorally- in everyday life ). The strongest assignment will make clear what the identity is and the specific way this identity is enacted in quality ( what it looks like in your world ), process ( what actions/ tools are used ), and why are you doing this ( why is it important to you and with what goal or driver )  You don’t need any source. You only have to answer the majority of the question not all but at least 70%

Select one identity  (Please use a Low-income Chinese college student as the identity to answer the following questions)

1. 1) specific ways that you enact that identity in quality

2. 2) The social-psychological tools to understand your performances

Specific ways that you enact that identity in quality

1. What does the identity work look like?

2. Not everyone enacts identities in the same way ( how is it unique within you ) ( For example, high-income students ( identity ) in school would just want to explore instead of having a goal of making money)

Conventional role expectations

3. Ex:( What are students supposed to do?)

4. Ex: What are the rights and obligations associated with students?

Audience

5. Who is the audience of students? What do they expect of students

Consistency

6. How can I see myself as consistent, despite all the identities I have?

7. EX: How does my identity as Taiwanese influence my identity as a student?

Personal characteristics or competencies

8. What are some of my strengths and weakness?

The social-psychological tools to understand your performances

1. The processes through which the identity is enacted ( what tools are used)

2. The goal of the performance ( what drives your actions ?)

Concepts you can draw on ( Not an inclusive/ definite list )

3. Impression management

   1. The presentation of self ( Goffman)

   2. Self-disclosure, managing appearances, ingratiation, aligning actions

4. Facework ( Goffman)

   1. Actions were taken to make whatever we’re doing consistent with the face

   2. Avoidance process, corrective process, aggression

5.  Stigma

   1. Othering: the creation of a social other ( Morally, Culturally, or Socially inferior )

   2. A frame of reference is important in determining how we think about ourselves