Identity is a key concept for Unit 3A

What does ‘identity’ mean in terms

of this course?

Identity can be defined as a sense of belonging

to a group within a culture or society.

I belong to the social group of female housewives

Issues of identity are closely linked to issues of privilege and

power.

Some groups will be empowered, others

alienated and disempowered.

My role in society is undervalued – I feel marginalised

What is your personal identity?

Who are you? Where do you belong?

What factors have shaped you into the person you are today?

The answers to these questions tell us about your

personal identity.

How do you define your personal identity?

Rank these elements:

how important is each to your identity?

Your identity is ‘constructed’ by your social and cultural

context What if some power took all of elements listed on the previous slide away from you, and only left your body and mind in tact.

What would happen to your identity? Would you be the same person?

Your sense of self may change if you were tofind yourself in a different time or culture.

In different cultures, and at different times in history, different elements can become

prominent in defining identity.

Therefore some aspect of identity must be shaped by cultural,

historical and social context.

What does it mean when we talk about cultural

identity ?

Cultural identity can be defined as the way we are influenced by the feeling of belonging to a

culture.

What does it mean when we talk about social identity ?

Social identity can be defined as the way we are categorised by the social groups we belong to.

What is an Australian identity?

Are you familiar with any of these Australian social and

cultural groups? blokes; sheilas; surfers; bogans

people who are ‘laid-back’, outdoor-loving and obsessed with cricket or AFL

Diggers, convicts, bushrangers

The Australian social group known asSurfers

‘The surf culture began early in the 20th century, spread quickly during the 1950s and 1960s, and continues to evolve. Touching fashion, music, literature, films, jargon, and more, its basis is the love of surfing, the hunt for great waves, the desire for the ultimate ride, and life in and around the ocean. Localism or territorialism is often a large part of surf culture in which individuals or groups of surfers designate certain key surfing spots as their own’.

Wikipedia

What are the characteristics of surfers?

Emos

‘Emo is a music based culture. It evolved from a branch of punk known as 'emotional hardcore'. Emos don't really "hate the world." Some might, not all of them. Most of the guys wear pants tighter than most girls. Most of the girls wear a ton of black eyeshadow; many tease their hair’. From: a dubious blog

Bogans‘Bogan males adopt a dominant status within the community, with a vague sense of rank defined by the ownership of aging Ford and Holden motor vehicles and the size of their mullet’.From: Another dubious blog

Is this the identity of the stereotypical Aussie bloke?

The world has the perception of the "typical " Australian male: tall, sunburned, probably blond and blue-eyed, short on words but long on ability to sink the stubbies (i.e. get drunk) with his mates, unhurried ("she'll be right, mate"). The stereotype exists, of course, but few Australians can

be quite so easily categorized these days.

The identity of the footy player

If there is a closest thing to an Aussie role model for young Australian teenagers, then it must be the Aussie Rules Footy Player.

The identity of the bikini-wearing beach babe

From a recent Australian tourism campaign

Australian cultural groups: The Bushman– friendly, hardworking

and resourceful

The Pioneer – overcoming obstacles

A modern day pioneer?

Steve Irwin – the crocodile hunter

The rebel - standing up to authority

Ned Kelly

Modern day rebels?

Aborigines

Stereotypes of Aborigines in Australian movies

http://www.convictcreations.com/research/australianstereotypes.html

Crocodile Dundee – Aborigines are treated with respect

Prisicilla Queen of the Desert – Aborgines are stereotyped as victims

The Digger – bravery and patriotism The respect and myth of the Australian “Digger” (soldier) was gained in the bloody battles of World War 1 and World War 2. The legend of the Australian Digger is best remembered with the legend of Gallipolli and the ANZAC troops.

The digger stereotype is reflected in Australian attitudes

about the importance of mateship

Our Australian identity is reflected in stereotypes used

in advertising

http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/australian-stereotypes/

Stereotypes may reveal some typical qualities but this does

not mean that they are true.

Which picture shows the reality of country life in Australia?

What is the ‘real’ Australian lifestyle?

Study Guide Activity 1

Write the heading: ‘Australian Cultural and Social Identity’

Using the information provided so far, make a list of Australian cultural and social groups which inform our identity.

Select two of these groups and comment on the accuracy of any stereotype(s) associated with them.

Study Guide Activity 2:

Make a heading: My social and cultural identity List the social and cultural groups that

you are a member of. Have you ever been stereotyped because

of your identification with any of these groups? How did it make you feel?

Issues of identity are closely linked to issues of privilege

and power. Some groups will be empowered, others

alienated and disempowered. This power balance changes, according to

social and cultural values.

Study Guide Activity 3:

What groups are empowered in our society?

What groups are oppressed?

Summary Identity can be defined by the social and

cultural groups individuals belong to.

These groups are often associated with particular characteristics which can lead to the development of stereotypes.

Issues of identity are closely linked to issues of privilege and power.