The self, identity and difference as both socially caused and socially…

The idea

The 'self' is an individual's inner sense of being, while 'identity' is how they are perceived within social groups. 'Difference' highlights how identities form in opposition to others, creating 'us' versus 'them' dynamics. These concepts are 'socially caused', meaning structural factors like class and ethnicity shape our experiences from the top down. Simultaneously, they are 'socially constructed', meaning they are actively created through social interactions, cultural norms, and labelling.

For example: Gender identity is socially caused by patriarchal structures that dictate roles, but socially constructed through everyday interactions and media representations that reinforce what it means to be masculine or feminine.

What earns the marks

• Define the 'self' as the internal, subjective understanding of one's own being, distinct from external categorisation.
• Define 'identity' as the social positioning of the self, encompassing both how individuals see themselves and how others see them.
• Explain 'difference' as the relational aspect of identity, where defining who we are depends on defining who we are not (the 'other').
• Distinguish 'socially caused' (a structuralist view where macro-level societal forces shape the individual) from 'socially constructed' (an interactionist view where individuals actively create meaning).

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing 'socially caused' with 'socially constructed'.

  Put it right: 'Socially caused' refers to structural forces determining outcomes, whereas 'socially constructed' refers to the active creation of meaning through interaction.

• Treating the 'self' and 'identity' as identical concepts.

  Put it right: The 'self' is the internal, private experience of being, while 'identity' is the public, socially recognised categorisation.

• Ignoring the concept of 'difference' when discussing identity.

  Put it right: Explain that identity formation relies on establishing boundaries between 'us' and 'them', making difference a core component.

Exam tips

• Use structuralist theories, such as Marxism or feminism, to illustrate how identity is socially caused by macro-level inequalities.
• Use interactionist theories, such as labelling theory, to illustrate how identity is socially constructed through micro-level interactions.
• Apply concrete examples, such as how disability can be viewed as socially caused by environmental barriers and socially constructed through stigmatising labels.