Many people believe that identity is something that can be chosen, meaning it is up to each individual to decide who they want to be and what qualities they want to possess. On the other hand, some argue that identity is inherently inherited, and cannot be changed or altered beyond its original form. In this essay, I will explore whether these views are compatible, and if not, how so.
Let's consider those who believe that identity is chosen. These individuals may cite examples such as gender identity, where someone feels like their gender does not match their biological sex.
A person assigned male at birth may feel more female than male and choose to identify as transgender. This shows that one's identity can be chosen based on personal preferences and experiences.
Cultural identities can also be chosen, such as religious affiliation or ethnicity. Someone may have been born into a certain culture but choose to embrace another one through immigration, marriage, or simply interest.
There are those who believe that identity is innate and cannot be changed. They might point out that genetics play an important role in determining physical traits such as eye color and hair texture, which influence perceptions of self-identity. Similarly, family background and socioeconomic status can affect one's education, career path, and social connections, all of which contribute to an individual's sense of self.
Some mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, can alter one's sense of reality and impact their sense of identity.
It is possible for both perspectives to coexist. Identity can include both inherent and chosen elements, and each aspect can shift over time.
Someone may be raised in a particular religion and choose to continue practicing it as they grow older, while simultaneously exploring different spiritual paths and finding new meaning in life. Similarly, someone may have parents with strong cultural ties to a specific country, but decide to seek citizenship in another after marrying a foreign spouse.
While identity can certainly encompass both inherited and chosen factors, it ultimately depends on the individual and how they perceive themselves. It is impossible to say definitively whether these two ideas are compatible or not, as identity is complex and multifaceted. What matters most is that individuals feel comfortable and accepted within their own skin, regardless of where they came from or what choices they made along the way.
Can identity be both chosen and inherited, or are these ideas incompatible?
Identity can be seen as both an internal aspect of individuality that is inherent from birth and a social construct that develops through experience. On one hand, it has been argued that certain identities may be deeply rooted in one's genetic makeup and cultural heritage, such as ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation (Coleman & Moghaddam, 2019).