Tma_006_-_Evaluate_the_Claim_That_Conflict_Is_the_Motor_for_Identity_Change

TMA 006 Evaluate the claim that conflict is "the motor for identity change." In this essay I will evaluate the claim that Conflict is the motor for identity change. In order to do this effectively I will explore the concept of Conflict. What do social scientists mean by this term and how does it effect us in relation to who we are and how we live our lives. I will also look at Identity and some of the main theories of identity and identification with other people. Conflict When social scientists talk of conflict what they really mean are transitions in life, or changes in practices, routines or behaviour expectations. When we think of conflict we think of change. Conflicts happen throughout our lives. A very simple example is growing up. As we enter each phase we need to adapt, those around us also need to adapt with us as how we relate to them changes. While some periods of transition are more rapid than others we can clearly see the impact they have. Erickson(1980 [1959]) studies how a persons identity changes over the whole of their life course and in particular how a persons identity is influenced by their past experiences, as well as new challenges or situations they find themselves in. "Erickson defined identity as a sense of ones own continuity over time as a being or entity that is different from others." (Hollway,2009, p.252) Erickson claimed that identity change was inevitable at certain stages of life, though the way in that change manifested was unique to the individual. Such inevitable changes can be seen as ordinary conflict. However its important to remember that there are other less inevitable changes which take place, which force a change in who we are, how we behave and relate to others and our perceptions of how we should be. These changes may not be a gradual process they can be in the moment, unexpected or forced as a result of the conflicts of others. Identity Identity is a lot more than just who we are, it is also how we identify with others. It is our ability to relate to a persons situation in different ways. For example, as a woman I can identify with other women, as a mother I can identify with other mums or my own mother. However as a mother some of my friends can no longer identify with me because they don't have children. This as a result changes the relationships with them because of how they perceive my life as different to their own. Identity and our ability to identify with others in various situations reflects the social psychology concept that we all have multiple identity positions, for example child, sister, daughter, wife, colleague, boss. We may move rapidly between them. These are perhaps subtle changes in practices or behaviors only, however still have an impact on who we are. Hollway discusses the research into new mothers and how their identities change as do their priorities in life.The case study written by Hollway shows how Silma wanted to become a mother and then went through a process of changes. Before having her baby she felt separate from her aunts as she was a person of her own volition. She was not able to identify with them fully but after having Abeedah she identified herself as a mother, and also as part of the group with her aunts (Hollway, 2009, p.269). Silma talks of the changes in the way the women related to her also, now plans are made for meals as opposed to just being there. Silmas transition in to motherhood has effectively been the catalyst for social acceptance by her aunts In addition to relational identities Silma’s body changed though she described herself as petite before and after she had her baby she has changed the clothes she wears. The new style of clothing, salwaar kameez, she says are not as tight fitting and therefore more comfortable to wear (Hollway, 2009, p.271). It can also be noted that the salwaar kameez fits into Silma’s own identity change as it appears more motherly, it is the clothing worn by Silma’s aunts and own mother. This further change incites conflict with Silma’s sister who can’t identify with the changes Silma is going through because she has yet to become a mother. And her sister picks up on the changes in other ways also as Silma becomes almost more protective of her younger sister. Social psychologist Michael Billig talks about the relationship between a persons identity and gaining social acceptance in to a group. He defined social identifications as " the process by which any individual is bound to his social group and by which he realizes his social self" (Billig, (1976, p322.) Cited in Hollway, 2009, P274) This process is certainly demonstrated if you look at how Silma has changed and is now part of her aunts social circle, because they now share a common quality. Such a dramatic life event has a massive impact on how we live and who we fundamentally are. It would be a clear example of how conflict is a motor for identity change based on Ericksons theory alone . Another way to look at identification is through Psychoanalytic theory. Based on the work of Sigmund Freud. It looks at the concept of internal conflicts. And the idea that many of our motives and actions are not under our conscious control. (Freud, 1921,p.105) Cited in Hollway, 2009 P. 275) said that " Identification is known to psychoanalysis as the earliest expression of an emotional tie with someone else." For example when we look at someone and relate to them on an emotional level. We can step in to their world and "try on" how they feel or what they do. Children do this from a young age through role play and imitation as a way of learning and understanding the world and how they fit in with those around them. Identity is much more than thought, emotion or a shared connection or bond. We must also look at the importance of the physical aspects of identity, bodies, biology and race. Indeed race is very important as its also symbolic of a shared culture or belief system, even if that individual does not technically identify themselves in those terms its an automatic perception others may have. Psychiatrist Frantz Fanon(1970) wrote a powerful account of his own experiences as a black man in a predominantly white culture. He describes how he found he was unable to escape his identity as a black man and further more felt a responsibility to his race and his ancestors despite the fact that "All I wanted to be was a man among other men."(Fanon, 1970, pp.79-80) Cited in Hollway, 2009 P.278) His account shows how this one aspect of his biological make up (his skin colour) was treated and experienced in social relationships. Because of such experiences he has created a mental association or schema that black people will be treated as inferior to white people. Perceptions and associations like this play a huge part in how we identify ourselves with others and often they are so deep routed that we are no longer concious of these perceptions. In the 2nd case study (Hollway, 2009, p.282) Anthony is looking for work and feels as though his racial identity, his age and also his identity as a young person, are detrimental to him being offered employment. When acting the telephone conversation he takes on the identity of a middle class white person, it is his view that the different identity means that he is more likely to be offered a position. It can also be noted that these are parts of his identity that he cannot change. Conflict here is the catalyst for identity change, not conflict in the natural sense of the term, but inner conflict with himself and his history. His feeling of conflict about a situation he can’t control means that he has to change that part of himself, therefore an identity change albeit short. Inner conflict, and transitional changes are both key drivers when it comes to identity changes as the case studies show. However Identity in itself is so much more than this. We need some fixed elements to maintain some level of stable identity over time, but we need the ability to adapt in line with the inevitable and the unexpected changes that come with life. In summary while conflict in its broadest sense is a key driver for identity change its not the only element. Our values, our culture, our integrity and all the other influences that surround us also impact on who we are, who we can be become and how we change. (word count 1475) References Bromley, S., Jeffries, E., Meegan J. And Staples, M. (2009) DD101 Introducing the social sciences, Learning companion 3' Milton Keynes, The Open University Hollway, W. (2009) Identity change and identification' in Bromley, s., Clarke, J., Hinchcliffe, S. And Taylor, S. (eds) Exploring Social Lives, Milton Keynes, The Open University Self reflection. Yay this felt a bit more like Psychology once I found my flow of how to tackle it. I felt I wanted to say so much but as per previous feedback opted to stick much more to the case studies and try not to waffle round them in order to keep the essay more focused. I think it is a better piece of work in that respect. I feel that I'm not where I should be with regards referencing skills yet. I don't know why I struggle with the ones within the essay as when doing the online stuff I get the theory behind it! I think its just more practice required though. Also I liked Hollways style of writing much more than the others. I felt it was more in depth.