Importance of Collective Identity

The interesting concept of collective identity is one that allows us to reflect on how our identification with certain elements can often be colored or influenced by the experiences we have in common with those people who share the same space.

The construction of our subjectivity is not done alone

To begin to understand what this collective identity is and what we are talking about when we use this concept, we have to establish and make it clear that nothing of what we are or what we believe to be our own is isolated from the environment that surrounds us. surrounds. In this sense, both our family and other social groups and, ultimately, the community from which we we are part of, are fundamental elements that influence our way of being, of standing before the world, etc

The identity of each individual does not run in a different lane from that of the community since social ties, history, references symbolic, language are all elements that contribute to our subjectivity, even if we do not realize it or without it conscious. In this way, the collective identity permeates the identity of each one of us.

A way of understanding reality that is based on bonds and shared experiences

Any sociologist would easily understand the fact that our reality as gregarious beings that we are is highly determined by what and those around us. Thus, from an early age we begin to relate to people who share the same environment as us and who live similar situations, with given natural elements (for example, the climate that influences and much in the personality of an individual), with shared experiences and stories, with sensations and similar ways of thinking, etc.

Many times social dichotomies also build our identity and thus one can feel closer to people who have a similar reality, either because of the job or role they play. one performs socially as a result of the confrontation or disagreement that he may have with other subjects who are also part of his community and with whom he does not feel identified. This is where the concept of class struggle which implies an important level of collective identity understood as an identity shared with others equal to me.

The identity that is built day by day and consciously

Beyond everything stated up to here, it is also interesting to point out that often the collective identity is established and consolidated in a conscious way when one chooses to participate or be part of a group of people who get involved in reality and act in she. This is very common when one begins to carry out activities in organizations, institutions, political parties, clubs and thus consciously contributes to the construction of his own identity but also of the collective one.

Images: Fotolia. Sergey Nivens – Thananit