Here is a study guide for “How does globalization affect identity?” This is a topic for a chapter in the Alberta grade 10 social studies curriculum.

How does globalization affect identity?

This was a question one of my students asked me during one of our tutoring sessions.

Thus, I had her find an answer.

As I was going through notes and a textbook I found online, I decided to write a study guide for both my students and this blog.

Here it is:

Buy the Social Studies 10: Exploring Globalization Study Guide here.

Our Identity

What is identity? Identity is often described as a “collective set of characteristics by which a person (or group) is definitively recognizable or known.”

Every person has their own unique identity that is shaped by their surroundings. This is what you would call “self-image.”

To define (or create) our self-image, we take all the things from around the world that appeal to us and apply them to our own view of who we are.

We take these things and create how we want to see ourselves.

But how does globalization affect one’s identity?

To understand this, we have to first understand the factors that create our identity.

Some of the factors that shape your identity are your family relationships, your interests and talents, your religious beliefs, the language/s you speak, and your heritage, to name a few.

All of these factors are part of the context of your identity. Basically, the context is the broader community or surroundings where your identity is developed.

How you express yourself is also important to your understanding of your identity.

There are many ways that a person can express his/her identity.

One can express themselves through their clothes, the music they listen to, the activities they do, the language they speak, etc.

The ways are usually categorized under traditions, language, clothing and body adornment.

Traditions

People could express themselves through traditions by the ethnic foods they eat, performing certain rituals, and wearing certain cultural clothing.

Individuals, families, and groups can all create their own traditions.

Language

Language is a very important aspect of identity. How a person speaks (or the language they choose to speak) shows how they view and understand the world around them.

For instance, if a person uses a lot of slang, he/she may view themselves as knowledgeable about pop culture and a part of that community.

Or, a person may use a lot of jargon.

This would show that this person identifies themselves as part of a professional community.

Additionally, as society has evolved, there is also gender-neutral language.

This is meant to be more inclusive of women in the workforce.

Collective Identity and Context

Most of the time, when you express yourself, you believe that you are showing your individual identity.

However, some of the time, you are also expressing the identity of the groups or collectives that you are part of.

For example, when you were younger, your family was most likely the most important collective or group in your life.

They probably defined the first language that you spoke and the religion (or spiritual belief) that you followed.

But when you got older, you probably found new collectives that you followed.

These new collectives also influenced your identity.

For instance, your group of friends most likely influenced how you dress, how you speak, and some of your interests.

If your friends wear a lot of athletic clothing, speak with a lot of slang, and like sports, you’ll probably be into some of this stuff as well.

However, context can play a role in how you behave while you are with a collective.

Take this for example: If you are at school with your friends during lunchtime, how you express yourself will be different than if you were at a place of worship with your parents.

The reason why you act differently is that each collective has its own rules -written or unwritten- that are (sometimes) formed through customs, traditions, and rituals.

How are identities connected through Globalization?

Now that we understand our own identity, how does globalization affect it?

Globalization, if you don’t remember, is the interaction of people, companies, and governments on an international level.

This is achieved through international trade and technology.

There are many perspectives on how identities are connected through globalization. But the most common one is that people are becoming more connected and interdependent.

For example, you don’t have to travel to India to experience their food and culture.

Because of international trade, you can buy their food from supermarkets or food courts.

Additionally, international trade is not the only link between people around the world.

You can learn about different cultures through technology and can also be connected with people across the globe through your religion.

Challenges of Making Global Connections

Many people believe that growing connections and interdependence are allowing people to become more diverse.

They can connect with and talk to people from other cultures and backgrounds. This promotes understanding and cooperation.

However, many others believe that globalization is reducing diversity as identities (individual and collective) are disappearing.

So, how do you think globalization is affecting people’s identity?