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SOC 315 How American Society Has Constructed Group Identity
This post is designed to help individuals taking the following courses: SOC 315. This post could also be used in conjunction with research papers for POL 469 and ETH 125. Don’t struggle on the Homework Mountain!
Society’s identity is constructed from the diverse and similar beliefs maintained by its constituents. This identity often takes the form of nationalism as expressed when people refer to themselves as being American. This group identity is complex as it is heterogeneous and conflicting. This incongruence can be identified through political, religious, and ethnic beliefs.
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The United States, in theory is a melting pot, or place where these differing groups can meet and coexist without conflict. This theory is constructed on the belief that freedom must prevail above individual desires and beliefs. This value on freedom has evolved into a democratic system of government which attempts to protect this freedom. However, democratic ideology often complicates the idea of group identity further by allowing contrasting political and social beliefs to exist under its protection. This is especially true when one notices groups that ultimately conflict and even desire to destroy the essence of this freedom. For example, small portions of the population such as white supremacist and radical fundamentalist religious groups see American freedom as a perversion based upon their group beliefs.
For these reasons, group identity in the United States, rather than being a true mesh of cultures and beliefs is often more of a mosaic or pluralistic entity existing as a mostly united body while maintaining a degree of separation to allow for individual cultural diversity.
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This complex group identity also creates difficulties for individual identity formation. Second, third and beyond generations often no longer identify with their original group of origin. Philosophically, individual identity is a mass of interests and concepts that form a complex issue for individuals. The largest problem with individual identity is the actual ability to identify oneself with a particular group. This stems from the loss of cultural heritage that often takes place within the United States (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011). Many individuals identify themselves as American but at the same time identify themselves with particular groups such Italian Americans. This gives rise to obstacles in which individuals often have little group identity and therefore cannot form a strong personal identity (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011).
Young people are often caught in this dilemma as they strive to find identity in an effort to mature. This can be problematic as it makes them susceptible to often unhealthy groups and subcultures. For instance, some youth find acceptance and inclusion in groups like gangs and drug addicts. This defining of individual identity can and has added to many social issues such as drug addiction and racism.
References
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2011) The Problems of Personal Identity Retrieved from
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/identity-personal/#ProPerIde
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