Identity is how people understand who they are and the groups they belong to. A person can have several identities at once.
Race and ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status and nationality can shape identity. Socio-economic status means a person's social and economic position; nationality is a legal connection to a country, usually through citizenship. These factors can influence people's experiences, the communities they join and what they consider important. Identity also includes roles and interests, such as being a sibling, student or musician.
These parts overlap. Two people can share a nationality and ethnic heritage but have different religions, household resources or personal goals. Sharing one part of identity does not mean sharing every part, and belonging to one group does not prevent belonging to another.
A diverse society contains different backgrounds, beliefs and ways of life. Diversity exists within groups as well as between them. Explain the particular connection shown by the evidence, instead of treating a category as a complete description of someone.
Worked example: Two friends in the same club
Alex and Jo both describe themselves as Chinese Singaporeans. Alex is Christian; Jo has no religious affiliation, meaning Jo does not identify with a religion. They enjoy robotics but prefer different ideas for their club's next project.
- They share an ethnic identity and nationality, while their religious affiliations differ. These descriptions can all be true at the same time.
- Their interest in robotics is another connection. Friendship and shared interests can cross differences in religion.
- Their preferred projects differ, but the account does not explain why. We need their reasons before linking that disagreement to religion or another identity factor.
Watch out for this
People who share one identity must think and behave alike.
Separate the identity they share from other circumstances, experiences and choices. Use evidence to explain a view rather than predicting it from a label.
Check your understanding
Two residents share a nationality and religion. One is a retired shopkeeper; the other is a student from a different ethnic background. Which conclusion is supported?
- They must have the same views because their nationality and religion match.
- Some parts of their identities overlap, while other parts differ.
- They cannot belong to the same community because their backgrounds differ.