Identity

Question 1

What is the ‘Empirical’ self?

Answer 1

• developed by psychologist William James
• representation of how somebody views themselves, a form of self-identity.
• it consist of the material self, social self and spiritual self.

Question 2

What is the ‘Material’ self?

Answer 2

The Material Self regards all the material things that you regard as ‘my’ or ‘mine’
These may include:
- Tangible objects
- People
- Places

Question 3

What is the ‘Social’ self?

Answer 3

The Social Self refers to how we feel that we are regarded and recognised by others
The Social Self is made up of our different ‘Social Identities:
1. Personal relationships
2. Ethnic/ Religion
3. Political affiliation
4. Stigmatised group
5. Vocation

Question 4

What is the ‘Spiritual’ self?

Answer 4

The Spiritual Self refers to our inner psychological self
The Spiritual Self is everything that is ‘me’ or ‘mine’ that is not tangible
This includes:
- Perceived abilities (self-efficacy, self-esteem)
- Attitudes
- Emotions
- Interests
- Traits

Question 5

Self concept=

Answer 5

defined as a dynamic collection of self representations that are formed through personal experience and interpretation of the environment.
A persons self concept will change as they experience different relationships with their bodies, families and wider society

Question 6

Self- identity=

Answer 6

defined as a specific common space. The identity they form about themselves, affected by various factors, such as self-esteem, one’s social identity, and the roles which one plays in their society.

Question 7

Pre-reflexive aspects of identity: habitus

Answer 7

Identities are reflexive, but also pre-reflexive: we do identities naturally, without thinking about it.
A French sociologist, Pierre Bourdieu, called this pre-reflexive disposition to act in a particular way, habitus.
Habitus is the way that people perceive and respond to the social world they inhabit

Question 8

How can habitus, inequalities and social class effect our habitus?

Answer 8

• Bourdieu argues that social class shapes our habitus
• This is in part because what we see as normal and like is developed on the basis of what is actually available to us, and what we can afford
• This is also what people around us, who we value, love, and associate with can afford
• This may be reflected in for example where and what we eat, where we go for holidays etc.

Question 9

Illness and the ‘sick role’

Answer 9

the sick role theory is that those suffering from illness have different rights and responsibilities compared to those who are well. The rights and obligations of the sick role:
- Not expected to fulfil normal social obligations
- Not held responsible for their illness
- Should want to get well
- Should seek and accept medical help
The sick person must try and get well – the sick role is only a temporary phase.

Question 10

What is athletic identity?

Answer 10

• It is believed that the more a person identifies with being an athlete, the more difficult it is to deal with athletic injuries
• Elite athletes tend to have a higher athletic identity and are more apt to experience depressive reaction after injury compare to those with lower athletic injury
  Advantages: positive effects on performance
  Disadvantages: over-commitment, dysfunctional practice, burnout and anxiety