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February 24, 2006
Structural features of identity
Categories: Classes
One of the things we didn't get to really talk about in class this week was how schools and other institutions influence one's identity -- the "structural features of identity." Your text talks about this on the top of page 117.
The idea here is pretty simple -- part of our social identity is defined or determined by the institutions to which we belong. Others see what institutions we participate in and use that to help figure out who we are. If, for example, we tell a new co-worker that we cannot play golf with them on Sunday because we will be in church, then they may see us as Christian (the dominant religious group that keeps Sunday as its holy day, with a few exceptions). We also see ourselves in terms of institutions to which we belong. For many of us, one of the things that being a Christian means is belonging to a particualr institution -- a church. Students who belong to a fraternity or sorority see that institutional affiliation as part of their identity. One even says "I'm an A-D-Pi."
Now, take this idea and apply it to schools. Belonging to an educational institution such as an elite prep school is a part of who you are. It helps to set how you see yourself. It helps to set how others see you. And it helps to determine expectations of behavior and performance. Prep school kids are "supposed to be smart" so they may, in fact, work harder to make that prediction come true. And they may benefit from those expectations of intelligence when it comes time to apply for colleges or get a job.
The other side of the coin is students who have to go to a "bad" school or are placed in "lower" tracks. According to this view that structures and institutional affiliations influence identity, how do you think those students see themselves and are seen by others?
Posted by Nakia at February 24, 2006 09:17 AM