Below is a sample of cultural identifiers to consider as you implement your diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Some independent school leaders may recall lists described as the “Big 8” or “Big 17” Cultural Identifiers. The NAIS Equity and Justice Team no longer uses these frameworks because of the hierarchy they imply. Identity salience is personal and social. For example, an individual may describe their size as being a more salient identifier than ability. Someone else may experience national origin as a more defining characteristic than their age. As a social phenomenon, it is also the case that certain identifiers, including, but not limited to, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity, have been and continue to be subject to codified discriminatory practices, or in some cases deemed illegal. It is common for members of minoritized groups within these statuses to experience institutionalized oppression on a single dimension or intersectionally.
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual Orientation
- Socioeconomic Status (Class)
- Size and Weight
- Educational Attainment
- Income or Wealth
- Academic/Social Achievement
- Family Makeup
- Geographic/Regional Background
- Language
- Learning Style
- Citizenship Status
- Beliefs (political, moral, ethical)
I'm an expert in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a deep understanding of cultural identifiers and their impact on individuals and communities. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity.
In the provided article, the focus is on cultural identifiers and the evolution of frameworks used in diversity initiatives. The article mentions the transition away from the "Big 8" or "Big 17" Cultural Identifiers due to the perceived hierarchy they imply. This shift aligns with a more nuanced understanding of identity salience, recognizing that individuals may prioritize different aspects of their identity based on personal and social contexts.
The cultural identifiers mentioned in the article include:
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual Orientation
- Socioeconomic Status (Class)
- Size and Weight
- Educational Attainment
- Income or Wealth
- Academic/Social Achievement
- Family Makeup
- Geographic/Regional Background
- Language
- Learning Style
- Citizenship Status
- Beliefs (political, moral, ethical)
These identifiers encompass a wide range of dimensions that contribute to an individual's sense of self. The acknowledgment that certain identifiers, such as race, sexual orientation, and gender identity, have historically faced discriminatory practices is crucial in understanding the complex landscape of diversity and inclusion efforts. Moreover, the consideration of intersectionality highlights the interconnectedness of different dimensions and emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple layers of identity to combat institutionalized oppression.
If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to delve deeper into, feel free to let me know.
FAQs
Gender. Race. Religion. Sexual Orientation. Socioeconomic Status (Class)
What is an example of a cultural identity? ›
Examples of cultural identities include identifying as a particular ethnic background, religion, or nationality. For example, stating that you are British Asian is a cultural identity.
What are the Big 8 cultural identifiers? ›
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.
How do I describe my cultural identity? ›
Put simply, your cultural identity is the feeling that you belong to a group of people like you. This is often because of shared qualities like birthplace, traditions, practices, and beliefs. Art, music, and food also shape your cultural identity.
Can you give me examples of culture? ›
Thus, culture includes language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, and ceremonies, among other elements.
What are 5 examples of cultural groups? ›
There a many hundreds of different cultural groups within the U.S.A., including the Amish, Black Muslims, ultra-Orthodox Jews, Native Americans (many different tribes), Polynesian (Hawaiians), Swedish-Americans, German-Americans, Americans of Kurdish descent, Chinese-Americans, Italian-Americans, etc.
How do you express your cultural identity? ›
People express their cultural backgrounds through language (verbal and non-verbal), customs, fashions (or clothing in general) or gastronomy, but the most creative way is through the arts.
What is the popular cultural identity? ›
The popular culture is an acceptance of culture by the majority of people and follow certain ideology to change and to modernize the society. The belongingness of the group representation of any society, county, or community is mainly represented as cultural identity.
What is important cultural identity? ›
We all have a right to know who we are, and where we are from. The people, places and stories of our families are a part of the unique story of who we are. Understanding your history can help build your personal growth and well being, and helps to connect us with each other.
What is a symbol of cultural identity? ›
Cultural symbols can be religious or spiritual, or they can represent the ideology or philosophy of a culture's language, values and traditions. Cultural symbols include signs, emblems, hand gestures, flags, animals and much more.
Categories that make up cultural identities include sexuality, gender, religion, ethnicity, social class, or region.
What are cultural identity markers? ›
What Are Culture Markers? Culture markers are the aspects of a culture that create a feeling of belonging and identity. They can apply to any culture, whether it's a nationality, ethnicity or even a corporate culture.
How do I identify my culture? ›
The 6 ways we identify culture
- Rituals. Similar to Independence Day rituals, we have rituals throughout our society that can be daily, weekly, monthly, or annually or even longer. ...
- Norms. ...
- Values. ...
- Symbols. ...
- Language. ...
- Artifacts.
Culture is the shared characteristics of a group of people, which encompasses , place of birth, religion, language, cuisine, social behaviors, art, literature, and music.
What is cultural identity for dummies? ›
Cultural identity is self-identification, a sense of belonging to a group that reaffirms itself. It is the extent to which one is a representative of a given culture behaviorally, communicatively, psychologically and sociologically. It consists of values, meanings, customs and beliefs used to relate to. the world.
What is the definition of cultural identifiers? ›
A cultural identifier is a characteristic or trait that is associated with a particular culture or group of people. It can include things like language, customs, traditions, Social Justice for EducatorsEDU-330.
What is a person's cultural identification? ›
Culture is the shared characteristics of a group of people, which encompasses , place of birth, religion, language, cuisine, social behaviors, art, literature, and music.
What is an example of a cultural code? ›
Examples of cultural codes are the highway code, the Morse code and language. The highway code establishes a mapping between traffic signals and driving behaviors. Traffic signals and driving behaviors do not exist in the organic world, they are human constructs.
What is an example of a Mexican culture identity? ›
For example, tequila, mariachi music, embroidered sombrero and costume of the charro (gentleman rancher) originated in the west of Mexico. Each region/state generally has a unique cultural identity and accompanying cuisine, folk songs and craftsmanship that residents are very proud of.
