An Overview of Self/Identity

The self is a topic that is often taked about but largely goes unnoticed. Every time the 'I' is mentioned
(e.g., I will go to school, I hang out with my friends, I like to eat burger) the self is highlighted as the
"actor." Further, the pronoun "me" is usually used as the object, (e.g., tell me about it, give me
something, it makes me feel awesome). Noticeably, the self composes both the I as an actor and the me
as the object. The focus on the self is even more evident in the functional word variations of I and me
used in everyday language depending on purpose (e.g., my, mine, myself, etc.).

The consciousness of the existence of the self has been almost automatic or reflexive. Thus, people are
almost unaware of it that in our everyday lives, we are constantly acknowledging it.

Scholars (i.e., theorists, scientists, philosophers) in different fields have attempted to explain and
thoroughly expound on several issues and controversies about the nature, existence, and dimensionality
of self. The most prevalent among issues on self are on nature vs. nurture, identity vs. self, and
dimensionalities of the self.

Nature vs. Nurture

Some insist that the self is predominantly a product of natural processes to which people are inherently
predisposed. The natural basis of the self is anchored on biology and explains that human traits are
passed from one generation to another. These transmitted traits serve as a blueprint of the self and
predisposes one to certain self-expressions (e.g., attitude, behavior, tendencies, etc.).

In this stance, the self is studied structurally and functionally, from the molecular level to the entirety of
human physiological systems. Genetics, for example, contribute so much information about the
descriptions of the self. This field of biology primarily deals with heredity (transmission of traits and
characteristics from one generation to another) as a process, as well as with the characterizations
(similarities and differences) of organisms.

The other side, meanwhile, argues that the self should be principally viewed as an outcome of various
nurturing factors in the context of one's-life. Social sciences have provided a number of insights and
explanations about the self, both on the micro and macro levels. Different social sciences stress how
group life (formal and informal) affects an individual's behavior and attitude, and emphasize on the
impact of various social institutions to the self-construal of a person.

While the issue about the predominance of either nature or nurture are still unresolved, one can safely
assume that the self is a product of nature and nurture.

Identity vs. Self

Self and identity are topics that remain popular not only among psychologists (even authors of
psychology articles) but also among other social scientists like sociologists, cultural anthropologists,
economists. Noticeably, the terms "self" and "identity" have been loosely interchanged in various

Understanding The Self

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literatures. Many people believe that there is a very thin conceptual and functional distinction between
the two concepts and thus perceive them as synonymous.

Based on lexical definitions, the two concepts are distinct and can be delineated. Consider, for example,
the definitions provided in Merriam-Webster Dictionary of the term identity: (noun, iden·ti·ty \-den-tǝ-
tē, ǝ-, -de-nǝ-\) "the qualities, beliefs, etc. that make a particular person or group different from
others... or the distinguishing character or personality of an individual." On the other hand, the term self
(noun) refers to "the person that someone normally or truly is... or the entire person of an individual"
The definitions provided suggest that the demarcation that separates the two fall on the social
representation of the term (i.e., known to others, or only known to oneself. Identity distinguishes or
compares one from another while the self refers to the total characteristics of qualities of a person both
known and unknown to others (but known to oneself).

A comprehensive definition that underscores the distinctions and overlap between self and identity was
given by Oyserman, Elmore, and Smith (2012, p. 69) stating that

Identities are the traits and characteristics, social relations, roles, and social group memberships
that define who one is. Identities can be focused on the past -what used to be true of one, the
present -what is true of one now, or the future the person one expects or wishes to become, the
person one feels obligated to try to become, or the person no one fears one may become;
together, identities make up one's self-concept variously described as what comes to mind when
one thinks of oneself.

Dimensionalities of the Self/Identity

The identity of a person is highlighted by a dominant trait which makes him or her distinguishable from
others. Imagine, for example, a situation where you are trying to describe a person (whose name you
cannot recall). You will find yourself thinking of remarkable traits that will make other people identify or
even guess who you are talking about. You may start describing that person using physical attributes
(e.g., tall, dark, fat, etc.). However, this attempt may be unsuccessful because in many instances, the
physical descriptions that you are giving can also be seen in other people unless the physical description
is so unique and specific to that person (e.g., the tallest guy in the school, around 7 ft. In most cases, the
identity of a person can be best depicted using certain traits that would set him or her apart from others
(e.g., the most arrogant, the most timid, the noisiest, etc.). Unfortunately, you will find it difficult to
describe a person who belongs to the so-called "average" category. As the term implies, average
connotes that one is just like everybody else in the group. In this case, several observable traits should
be combined to effectively describe the person (e.g., the tall and dark guy in the class who has a regional
accent...and dressed up like...).

Developmental and social scientists have identified social factor as an agent of one's being. The social
factor refers to the influences of significant people in one's life. It primarily includes the family in which
most of the basic attitudinal and behavioral attributes of individuals are shaped. It is referred to by
many social scientists as the nursery of human nature. In this social group, an individual does not only

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acquire biological characteristics (through heredity) but also learn, both directly and indirectly, certain
behaviors and characters.

Thus, similarities in manners and attitudes are found in the members of a family. During the waning
stage, or the stage in which the child slowly gains independence and withdraws from strong parental (or
family) attachment, he or she starts identifying with other people outside of the family. At this time, the
child associates with peers or playmates, referred to as the peer group, who will also eventually shape
one's character. This stage can be critical for some children, especially if the values that they acquire
challenge the foundation of behavioral characteristics that they initially learned from the family. As the
child extends the horizon of his or her social connections (i.e., school, church, neighbors, friends), more
and more characteristics are integrated. The process of building up one's identity becomes more
complex and dynamic, but all these things happen unnoticeably and, in many instances, unconsciously.

Social factors are strong foundations of one's being. The characteristics that were acquired from the
influences of the social groups during the formative years are integrated to form one's identity, or
uniqueness and similarities with others. Psychologists refer to this process of character and traits
integration (or forming of identity) as the formation of personality. Personality, therefore, is the
individual patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It is said that no two people would have an
identical personality, and that every individual is unique. One may share commonalities with other
people (e.g., manners, appearance, bearing, etc.) but will still possess an identity that sets him or her
apart. Consider, for example, a case of identical twins that were raised separately by different parents,
educated from different schools, and grew up in different neighborhoods or communities. The twins
may share several common characteristics because they were born out of a single zygote (combined sex
cells of both parents) which carries their parents' DNA blueprints. The similarities may also go beyond
physical characteristics and manifest in some manners and dispositions (e.g., eating patterns,
impulsivity, etc.). Despite these similarities, the twins will still develop individual identities that make
them distinct from one another. One may be assertive, and the other can be timid; or one is sociable or
friendly while the other is aloof. Thus, identity does not connote exclusivity or outright difference
against others; instead, it refers to the sets of characteristics that make one a distinct individual.

The extent to which social factors influence one's identity or being is inarguably encompassing. That is,
the characteristics of significant others in a person's life can vitally impact his or her distinctiveness.
These influential social groups shape one's identity through modelling, imitation, and traits integration.
Meanwhile, a less obvious factor simultaneously affects one's being or character. It is the natural force
called the environmental factor. Unlike the social factor, the environmental factor broadly includes the
physical and communal elements present in everyday surroundings, and are invariably dealt with by
individuals in a specific geographic region or area. This factor covers not only the physical properties of
the surroundings (i.e., climate and temperature, forms of land, etc.) but also the larger society or
community, as well as the expectations and norms operating in that particular locality or place. For
example, a person who grew up in a city where competitiveness and resiliency are needed in order to
survive would tend to adapt to that kind of environment by consciously strengthening certain traits and
skills that will manifest competitiveness (e.g., communicative, intellective, etc.). In the process, the
harnessed characteristics become an integral part of his or her identity.

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Other factors also significantly contribute to one's identity or being, some of which already operate at
the time of conception (in the mother's womb), like the hereditary factor. As discussed earlier, heredity
is a biological process by which certain traits and characteristics are passed from one generation to
another. Compared with the two previously discussed factors, heredity can be referred to the non-
negotiable factor. If one has the choice whether or not to adopt the influence of social groups and to
change or improve one's environment, heredity is relatively fixed and permanent. It readily dictates
one's physical attributes (e.g., height, complexion, hair, etc.), some cognitive traits (e.g., I.Q.), and some
other personal characteristics (e.g., emotionality, tendencies, etc.) upon birth. This factor will be
thoroughly discussed in the succeeding module.

Of all the factors of identity, the most controversial perhaps is the person-volition factor. It refers to the
inclination of a person to form and construct a specific identity that will set him apart from others. Such
factor emanates from within the mentality of an individual, brought about by the aggregated social-life
experiences. Social scientists like sociologists may refer to a person exhibiting person-volition factor as
deviant or non-conformist. Being one is not necessarily negative; in fact, some of the people of this type
turned in to become trend setters, revolutionaries, discoverers, and inventors.

As explained in this section, identity is a product of a complex process of combinations and integration
of traits and characteristics from various possible sources. Some of the traits are acquired consciously
and voluntarily while others are obtained unconsciously and involuntarily.

Understanding The Self

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