Construction of Identity

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the construction of identity within late modern societies and compares it to identity construction within traditional societies. The paper then shows how there is now a larger degree of agency in the construction of identity than was available in traditional times and looks at how identity is somewhat more fluid, fragmented, individualised and uncertain that it previously was.

From the Paper:

"Identity construction in late modernity also incorporates the use of reflexive modernity. Reflexive modernity refers to the inclination of most aspects of social activity to be constantly revised in light of new information or knowledge (Giddens 1991, p. 20). Reflexivity is the capacity of an individual to monitor and modify their behaviour continuously in accordance with that monitoring (Goldstein & Rayner 1994, p. 376). Identity is largely shaped by reflexivity in that we reflect on how we believe others perceive us, and then work towards modifying this perception. However in society there are forces, known as structures, which can act as a restraint on an individual's actions and choices (Waters & Crook 1993, p. 29). Despite these structures, it is recognised that humans have the potential capacity to create, change and influence events through agency (Bessant & Watts 2002, p. 129)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bauman, Z & May, T 2001, Thinking sociologically, Blackwell, Oxford.
• Benton, T 1999, 'Radical politics - neither left nor right?' in M. O'Brien, S. Penna & C. Hay (eds), Theorising Modernity: Reflexivity, Environment and Identity in Giddens' Social Theory, Longman, New York, pp. 39-64.
• Bessant, J & Watts, R 2002, Sociology Australia, 2nd ed., Allen & Unwin, South Australia.
• Bilton, T, Bonnet, K, Jones, P, Lawson, T, Skinner, D, Stanworth, M & Webster, A 1996, Introductory sociology, 4th ed., Macmillan, London.
• Bryson, L & Winter, I 1999, Social change, suburban lives: an Australian Newtown, 1960s to 1990s, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards NSW.

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