During the workshops, students will learn about the eight major social identities and have the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences.
Eight major social identities, often referred to as “the big eight,” are commonly used to describe how a person categorizes themselves and others — ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. To help students recognize and learn more about these eight major social identities, Elon University will host a series of “The Big 8” workshops throughout the fall semester.
“I think the most important thing is to really pause and think of the meaning of each of those identities and the impact they have in your own life,” said Sylvia Muñoz, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education (CREDE).
During the workshops, students will have the opportunity to learn valuable information about the eight identities, which can serve as a great starting point for further exploration of identity. The workshops can be followed by more research on diversity, inclusion, equity and justice.
Muñoz explains that workshop participants can better understand how these social identities impact personal and social experiences. With that understanding, students can help make others feel welcomed, supported and respected. This will help to create an inclusive environment where everyone on Elon’s campus feels comfortable being themselves.
“It is important to recognize that we don’t have just one identity. We navigate the world holding different identities, some of which make life easier for us and others make it more challenging,” Muñoz said.
The workshops will offer insight into the role of the CREDE as well as the resources and support available through the center and its staff. The CREDE is one of many centers and initiatives that support equity and inclusive excellence. Along with learning about the CREDE, participants will also learn about other identity-based resources on campusduring the workshops.
People are influenced all the time and it sometimes affects their sense of identity. An individual’s identity is important, which is why it’s beneficial to learn about the big eight and how they can impact you and those around you. If everyone can take the time to learn about social identities, we can actively create an inclusive learning environment.
“We start introducing the big eight identities and talk about why it is important to examine them. We try to get them engaged in these and make sure they understand that it’s part of their own personal development growth,” said Muñoz. “Where do you sit within these identities?”
“The Big 8” workshops will be offered four times in September, October and November.Registration is openfor upcoming workshops.
“The Big 8” workshops for Fall 2023:
Thursday, Sept. 28 | McBride Gathering Space | 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 9 | Lakeside 214 | 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24 | Lakeside 214 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Lakeside 214 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
FAQs
Eight major social identities, often referred to as “the big eight,” are commonly used to describe how a person categorizes themselves and others — ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.
What is the introduction of social identities? ›
Social identities can be defined as groups that are based on the physical, social, and mental characteristics of individuals. They are sometimes obvious and clear—sometimes not—often self-claimed, and frequently ascribed by others.
What are examples of social identities? ›
Examples of social identity include: race, ethnicity, gender, sex, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, religion/religious beliefs, national origin, and emotional, developmental disabilities and abilities.
What is the concept of social identity? ›
Social identity can be defined as an individual's knowledge of belonging to certain social groups, together with some emotional and valuational significance of that group membership.
What is an example of an identity that is socially constructed? ›
Just like race, gender is a socially constructed category. While it is true that there are biological differences between who we label male and female, the meaning our society places on those differences is what actually matters in our day-to-day lives.
How are social identities constructed? ›
From a sociocultural perspective, an individual's identity is socially constructed, forming from early childhood from their interactions and relationships with others. Through our identity we come to understand our connection “to the world, how that relationship is constructed across time and space, and …
What are the 8 social differences? ›
It refers to the advantages afforded to groups and individuals on the basis of a range of markers of social difference including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, religion, ability, and class.
Why is social identities important? ›
Social identification is important because it influences how people see themselves and how they interact with others. If people have a positive view of their identity within a group, they are more likely to relate well to others in that group and feel positive emotions about themselves.
What is the best example of identity? ›
Simply speaking, identity is a combination of your physical and behavioural traits that define who you are. For example, your name is part of your identity, as is the form and colour of your eyes and your fingerprint. This set of characteristics allows you to be definitively and uniquely recognisable.
What is another word for social identity? ›
Social identity is distinguished from the public self and the private self. Also called collective self.
- Types of Social Identity.
- Ethnicity and religion.
- Political affiliation.
- Vocations and avocations.
- Relationships.
- Stigmatized identities.
Identity is the set of qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or a group. Identity emerges during childhood as children start to comprehend their self-concept, and it remains a consistent aspect throughout different stages of life.
What is social identity theory built on a 8 key cognitive components b 5 key cognitive components c 3 key cognitive components? ›
There are three key elements of social identity: social categorization, social identification, and social comparison. These elements stipulate that individuals aim to have a positive social identity by keeping a favorable social group.
What is the social construction of gender identities? ›
Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender varies from society to society and can change over time.
What is the social construction of personal identity? ›
According to popular opinion, others perceive me as who I am and how I present myself; however, the social construct view of the identity suggests that this process can work the other way around. Meaning, who I am and what I do results from what others think about me and what they expect me to do.
What are social class identities? ›
Class identity is defined as how a person or group of persons think of themselves in relation to others in society based on their economic and social position. While defining and measuring economic status is quite similar across cultures, the same cannot be said for social status.
Eight major social identities, often referred to as “the big eight,” are commonly used to describe how a person categorizes themselves and others — ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. To help students recognize and learn more about these eight major social identities, Elon University will host a series of “The Big 8” workshops throughout the fall semester.