Reflecting on the Paradox of Identity

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect deeply on your identity? Identity, a concept stemming from the Latin root 'idem' meaning “the same,” intriguingly encompasses both elements of similarity and difference. It's a unique blend that each of us carries, believed to be consistent over time, yet it is also where the fundamental paradox of identity lies.

In exploring this paradox, we find that identity is not a static entity; rather, it is dynamic and fluid. Social theorist Zygmunt Bauman poignantly observed that “identity” becomes a focal point particularly when it is under threat or contention, necessitating a more explicit assertion.

The breadth of research in sociology, social psychology, and anthropology delves deeply into the interplay between individual and group identities. These studies illuminate how we label ourselves and others, our identification with certain groups, the development of community feelings, and how groups differentiate from and interact with each other. This complex matrix of identities operates both at individual and social levels.

It's essential to recognize that while individuals may assert their identities, the acknowledgment of these identities by others is equally critical. The journey of defining one's identity is not just about asserting individuality, but also about finding connection with others and maintaining self-esteem. In this context, Richard Jenkins argues that social identity should be seen as an ongoing social process, intertwining individual actions and social constructs.

However, a key caution in identity discussions is the risk of essentialism – the tendency to oversimplify and generalize members of a particular group, thereby risking the negation of their individuality and diversity. This approach often fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of human identity, where people resist being pigeonholed into a singular, fixed identity.

One of the reasons our training sessions include identity is because its crucial to understand intersectionality, which I will be explaining in depth soon in another article. Intersectionality, as explained by Kimberlé Crenshaw, shows us how the overlapping of different social identities leads to unique experiences of privilege and discrimination. I have written about it in the context of the SB54 and Venture Capital previously, check it out here.

The Diversity Wheel Concept

An illustrative tool in understanding this complexity is the Diversity Wheel, as employed at Johns Hopkins University. The wheel’s core represents internal dimensions that are usually the most permanent or visible, such as race/ethnicity, and gender. The outer layers symbolize dimensions that are acquired and evolve throughout life, like education, marital status, or parental status. This model helps in appreciating how our unique mix of identities shapes our perspectives, beliefs, and behaviors.

"The combinations of all of these dimensions influence our values, beliefs, behaviors, experiences and expectations and make us all unique as individuals” (Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council, n.d.)"

Activity: Social Identity Mapping

A practical activity to explore this concept further is Social Identity Mapping. This involves plotting your various identities based on two axes: the extent to which an identity is given or chosen, and its relevance in different contexts like work or home. This exercise not only enhances self-awareness but also aids in understanding the diverse identities of others, fostering a more inclusive mindset.

For instance, in my case, being an able woman, a mother, married, a daughter of divorced parents, having studied psychology, trilingual and living abroad for over 12 years, each holds a unique place on this map, reflecting the dynamic nature of my identity.

If you want to give it a try, you can use the template I use with my clients. Just download it from my drive and work on it!

I will now share some questions that could be valuable to encourage introspection and a deeper understanding of one's various identities, and why is important to reflect on this.?Let's start with ourselves:??

Given vs. Chosen Identities:?

• Which aspects of your identity were given (e.g., race, ethnicity, birthplace) and which have you chosen (e.g., career, hobbies)??
• How do your given identities intersect with those you've chosen??

Relevance in Different Contexts:?

• Which identities are most prominent in your professional life? How do they influence your work interactions and decisions??
• Which aspects of your identity come to the forefront in your personal life, such as at home or in social settings??

Identity and Perception:?

• How do you think others perceive your various identities in different contexts (work, social, family)??
• Have there been instances where you felt a particular identity was misunderstood or overlooked by others??

Change Over Time:?

• How have your identities evolved over time? Are there identities that have become more or less important to you??
• Can you identify any significant life events or experiences that have shaped or changed aspects of your identity??

Identity and Values:?

• How do your various identities align with your core values and beliefs??
• Are there conflicts or synergies between different aspects of your identity and your values? How do you navigate them??

Influence on Behavior and Choices:??

• How do your identities influence your behavior and choices in different situations??
• Are there aspects of your identity that you feel need to be concealed or emphasized in certain environments??

Future Aspirations:??

• Are there aspects of your identity that you aspire to develop or change in the future??
• How do your current identities align with your future goals and aspirations??

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Now let’s move into how your identities shape your relationships with others.?

Understanding Identity in Relationships:?

• When forming relationships, what qualities or aspects of another person's identity do you find important? ?
• What do you tend to notice or prioritize first??

Perceptions and Assumptions:??

• Reflect on the assumptions you might make about others based on visible or known aspects of their social identity. How do these perceptions influence your interactions??

Confronting Perceived Judgments:?

• What assumptions do you think people make about you based on your social identity? ?
• How do these perceived judgments align with your self-view??

Identifying Common Ground:?

• If you were to compare your identity map with those of others within your close friends, community or organisation, what commonalities do you think you would find? ?
• How does this influence your group dynamics??

Appreciating Differences:?

• Reflect on the aspects of your identity that might differ from others in your community or organization. How do these differences contribute to the diversity of the group??

? Application to Collaborative Environments:?

• How do your insights from this identity mapping exercise relate to your ability to collaborate and work across diverse boundaries??

I hope you enjoyed the exercise and would love to get your feedback on how it made you think about identity. Please leave your comments and feedback below!