Identity is a composition of the self, constructed through social contexts and ways of being consistent with particular social and cultural Discourses (Gee, 1999). Individuals are likely to have multiple identities that are constructed across a variety of situated social contexts. A situated identity that successfully enacts membership in a particular Discourse constructs and interacts in ways that are meaningful for that Discourse. Meaningful ways include modes and mediums for communication (forms of language), “actions, interactions, ways of thinking, believing, valuing, and using various symbols, tools, and objects” that are socially recognizable and meaningful to other members of that Discourse who share that situated identity (Gee, 1999, p. 21). As identities are multiple for individuals engaging in varied situated contexts, so identities are also in various stages of formation and negotiation with others. Identities may complement each other, directly oppose others, or exist in temporally parallel but not integrated spaces. Multiple identities exist within a social community, but not all identities are relevant simultaneously.
MJ says
This post captures all the key points that were found in the readings, however, I’m still wondering about several things related to identity. One is how one knows when she has successfully enacted membership in a particular Discourse. Reading on, I realize that there are “various stages of formation and negotiations with others.” I’d be interested in talking about this further using an example to demonstrate.