Influences On Identity Formation
Influences on Identity Formation
Identity is often depicted as being predetermined; however, there are many factors that can have an influence on it (Palmer, 1997). Palmer, (1997) further continues to explain how factors like family, culture, personal and professional can guide an individual’s life choices and shape their identity. For instance, some categories that can influence and shape identity are:
- Biological: Identity is formed on the basis of an individual’s genetic build-up (DNA) – e.g. race, gender, ethnicity and inherited attributes (eye colour, hair colour, medical conditions, etc.) – This is based on the determinist approach
- Socio-cultural: Identity is shaped by the environment – e.g. culture, religion, social change (generation
Identity is often depicted as being predetermined; however, there are many factors that can have an influence on it (Palmer, 1997). Palmer, (1997) further continues to explain how factors like family, culture, personal and professional can guide an individual’s life choices and shape their identity. For instance, some categories that can influence and shape identity are:
- Biological: Identity is formed on the basis of an individual’s genetic build-up (DNA) – e.g. race, gender, ethnicity and inherited attributes (eye colour, hair colour, medical conditions, etc.) – This is based on the determinist approach
- Socio-cultural: Identity is shaped by the environment – e.g. culture, religion, social change (generation