Module 4: Identity – Self-reflection
Purpose: The goal of this discussion is for you to have a chance to apply what you are learning in this module about identity development to some real world examples.
Instructions:
- You MUST do this BEFORE posting: Join one of the two discussion groups available. Each one will be discussing the topic of identity in a slightly different way. One group will be reflecting on their own identity journey. The other group will be sharing examples of different identity statuses in media characters (from movies, books, news). To join a group you must go to the People page in Canvas by using the navigation column on the left. Once there, click on the “Groups” tab and select which Identity group you want to join. The video below shows you how to do this. You can also get guidance from the Canvas Help page (Links to an external site.) for this topic. To ensure enough participants in each group, I have limited the number of members, so join early in order to get into the group you want.
- Post an initial response to the appropriate prompt in your group’s discussion. DUE 3/25
Identity self-reflection: Discuss where you currently are versus where you were in high school in terms of Marcia’s identity statuses. Explain how you might have moved through different phases of identity along the way. If it helps your reflection, feel free to discuss your identity in any or all of the identity domains (e.g., vocational, gender/sexuality, ethnicity, etc).
Identity media examples: Find one individual whose identity you would like to discuss using what you’ve learned about identity formation. This could be a main character from a book (fiction or non-fiction), a character in a movie, TV series or song, or a famous or newsworthy person. Share with your group whom you’ve selected and which of Marcia’s identity statuses you think best fits this individual. Use specific examples to support your evaluation of their identity development. Since this prompt asks you to draw on media examples, I encourage you to include photos, trailers, video clips, etc. in your posts! - Respond to 2 different posts in your group. Since there will be so many participants in each group, please respond to at least one post that has no other responses. And remember to add some new idea, challenge, or question for your peers to consider. DUE 3/28
1) Tylor Page:-
Before getting into detail with the self-reflection, I’d like to point out that all the statuses of Marcia’s identity theory are interchangeable throughout life. Based on the commitment and exploration dominions, it’ll somehow, in my opinion, be somewhat of an effect on one’s experiences and timelines. In high school from freshmen to junior year, I’d say that I could’ve been identified as having identity diffusion. Some may say that they were in the process of identity foreclosure because it seems the most prevalent for teens in high school since we are under our parents’ roof and are working our way to understanding what we want in life. Anyhow, I’d say that I personified as identity diffusion because I believe that I struggled with the “who I am” aspect (not sexuality or gender, but for the qualities of what make a person who they are), worked for the sake of others(not for myself) and didn’t have much experiences with socializing other than home and school. Honestly, I’d say that identity foreclosure was there as well since I struggled with having my own beliefs and strong opinions. Anyhow, as for where I am now, I’d say that I can be identified as identity moratorium because I am in a mind space that’s piecing everything together in one way or another. In addition to this, I can say that I am close to identity achievement because I am maturing -I’d say- at a faster rate these days since I am in college, got a job, two majors I’m working towards, family is stable, friendships are steady, money is great, and boyfriend fine too. Overall, I feel that after I took time to understand these statuses and what they really mean for myself and others, I would like to say that I like Marcia’s theory and how she came up with it.
2) Tait
Using Marcia’s Identity statuses I have concluded that in high school I was in Identity Diffusion and I am currently in Identity Moratorium. I believe I was in Identity Diffusion in high school because I did not commit to an identity or really explore any alternatives. I always knew what crowd I fit into but I didn’t explore any other crowds or go out of my comfort zone. I would avoid problems and let them solve them-selves. I think the thing that helped me move from this stage was going to college and getting some freedom. Being able to go to whatever I want and not having parents still seeing over me 24/7 made me want to explore more. I believe that I am currently in the Identity Moratorium stage because I still have yet to find my true identity but I am exploring more alternatives. I am now seeking experiences and I am trying to solve problems that I get myself into. I am exploring new crowds and opening myself up more.