Shaping Self-Identity Through Interpersonal Relationships
Introduction
Self-identity is a fundamental human concept that has been heavily examined in both recent and historical times. It seems theoretically impossible to be able to determine what composes the human identity. However, a lingering sense of curiosity into this subject has challenged this notion. There are now countless investigations into the making of a “self-identity” and whether this action is voluntary or not. Through an analysis of scholarly literature and a collection of novels, with concentrations on the societal and familial influences on identity formation, this essay discusses how we define self-identity and how outsiders impact this sense of self. Theories from psychology are called upon for evidence to support the argument that self-identity is one’s unique personal worldview and is most impacted by those who hold close interpersonal relationships with. Further, self-identity is argued to be a fluid conception that is constantly refined based upon the changes in one’s holistic environment. These changes include physical, mental, and emotional alterations triggered by suffering, such as grief or racial oppression. It is concluded …show more content…
This new identity then forms a twisted self-identity, unfairly skewed by societal restrictions. Pillay’s argument therefore is that “a person ‘becomes who they are’ as social being [based on] their relationships with significant role players (Pillay 124.) This is mainly seen in South Africans of Indian descent that have been for many years called "coloured" rather than Indian and have difficulty accepting, and equally rejecting, such a label in their self-descriptions (Pillay
Introduction
Self-identity is a fundamental human concept that has been heavily examined in both recent and historical times. It seems theoretically impossible to be able to determine what composes the human identity. However, a lingering sense of curiosity into this subject has challenged this notion. There are now countless investigations into the making of a “self-identity” and whether this action is voluntary or not. Through an analysis of scholarly literature and a collection of novels, with concentrations on the societal and familial influences on identity formation, this essay discusses how we define self-identity and how outsiders impact this sense of self. Theories from psychology are called upon for evidence to support the argument that self-identity is one’s unique personal worldview and is most impacted by those who hold close interpersonal relationships with. Further, self-identity is argued to be a fluid conception that is constantly refined based upon the changes in one’s holistic environment. These changes include physical, mental, and emotional alterations triggered by suffering, such as grief or racial oppression. It is concluded …show more content…
This new identity then forms a twisted self-identity, unfairly skewed by societal restrictions. Pillay’s argument therefore is that “a person ‘becomes who they are’ as social being [based on] their relationships with significant role players (Pillay 124.) This is mainly seen in South Africans of Indian descent that have been for many years called "coloured" rather than Indian and have difficulty accepting, and equally rejecting, such a label in their self-descriptions (Pillay