Different parts of identity can matter more in different situations. Experiences over time can also change how people understand and express who they are.
At a family gathering, someone may talk most about heritage. At an international event, nationality may become more relevant. When deciding whether to take a course, household resources may matter more. Focusing on one part in a situation does not erase the others.
New friendships, education, work, migration or learning about family history can change experiences and priorities. Some identities or practices may develop, while others remain important. A change in interests or a stronger cultural connection does not automatically change a legal status such as citizenship.
To explain a change, connect the particular experience with the person's own account or actions. A comparison over time is stronger than assuming that everyone of the same age, background or nationality changes in the same way.
Worked example: Learning about a family language
At 14, Owen says his school friends and music club are the groups he talks about most. After helping a grandparent record family memories, he starts learning a heritage language and says this connection matters more to him. He continues playing music with the same friends.
- The later account identifies a new experience: recording family memories. Owen connects it with a growing interest in his heritage.
- His language learning is evidence of how he expresses that interest. His continued music activities show that the newer emphasis can exist alongside an earlier identity.
- This supports a change in what Owen considers important. It does not establish a change in his nationality, or a pattern that every person with his background must follow.
Watch out for this
Identity never changes, or taking on a new identity must replace every old one.
Track what changes and what continues. People can develop interests and connections while retaining other parts of who they are.
Check your understanding
A nurse usually introduces herself through her work. At a meeting with people from several countries, she instead mentions her nationality first. What does this most clearly show?
- The situation can affect which part of an existing identity she emphasises.
- She has stopped being a nurse because she did not mention it first.
- She has legally changed nationality during the meeting.