Identity is often seen as something that an individual possesses and carries with them throughout their lifetime.
This view can be limiting and may lead to misunderstandings about identity formation, maintenance, and change. In order to fully understand identity, it is important to consider how it is formed through interactions between individuals and the larger world around them. This approach, known as "relational" or "emergent" identity theory, challenges traditional classifications that are based solely on fixed characteristics or traits. By taking into account contextual factors such as culture, environment, and social relations, relational identity theories suggest that identities are constantly being negotiated and redefined.
The legal system, for example, typically operates under a binary classification system where people are either male or female.
Many transgender and nonbinary individuals do not fit neatly into these categories, and they have faced discrimination and barriers to accessing legal protections due to this rigid classification. Relational identity theory suggests that gender should be understood as a spectrum, and that individuals should be able to self-identify however they choose without facing negative consequences. Similarly, social systems such as workplaces and schools can create structures that reinforce certain identities while marginalizing others.
A school may prioritize academic achievement and reward students who identify as high achievers, which could exclude students from other backgrounds or identities. A more relational understanding of identity would acknowledge that different types of intelligence exist and recognize the contributions of all students.
Cultural systems also often operate under strict classifications, such as race and ethnicity.
Relational identity theory challenges this by recognizing that these categories are fluid and can change over time.
Someone's racial identity may shift depending on their location, experiences, and relationships with others.
Cultural systems can perpetuate stereotypes and expectations that limit how individuals can express themselves. A relational approach would allow for greater flexibility in identity expression and would challenge the idea that there is only one way to be "Black," "White," or "Latinx."
Understanding identity as relational and emergent challenges rigid classifications in legal, social, and cultural systems because it emphasizes the importance of contextual factors in shaping identity. By acknowledging that identities are not fixed but constantly evolving, we can create more inclusive environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
How does understanding identity as relational and emergent challenge rigid classifications in legal, social, and cultural systems?
Identity is understood as an emergent process of interaction between individuals, their contexts, and various social structures (such as laws, institutions, beliefs, norms, etc. ). This view challenges rigid classifications because it recognizes that identities are fluid, dynamic, and multifaceted, and they cannot be reduced to fixed categories that do not account for individual experiences and diversity.