Identity includes many elements but it is not the same as personality.
An individuals name, which is given to them by their family, is part of their identity, consisting of a first name and a family name or Surname.
Each person belongs to a particular ethnic group, for example being white and British, identifies someone as coming from the British Isles, this is their ethnic group. Other ethnic classifications are: African, European, Asian, Middle eastern.
According to the governments new social occupation classifications. People may often define their identity by their employment status, as it is an essential part of their life and what they do for a living.
The Address of where a person resides forms part of thier identity. They may live in a middle class area or be living in social housing, such as housing association or private rented.
The first language that a person speaks fluently, is connected to their identity. Followed by any other languages they might speak and this is also linked to their culture.
Interest groups sports, hobbies, political affiliations or religious groups. Members for example will wear the same type of clothing, a scarf or symbol that identifies them with that same group of people.
In families people have different roles to play, which gives them multiple identities. For example a parent, a child, a wife, a husband, a sibling or grandparent.
However, conflicts could occur sometimes, around spending time with family and work commitments.
Physical limitations could be a constraint upon identity. This can be related to old age or to disabilities. Therefore they could feel lonely or stereotyped by the community.
Lack of finances due to low income may limit a person and put a constraint on their identity.
Some people do not fit in easily into the society, as they may suffer from a long term illness therefore they may feel excluded.
Having no Education may prevent a person from finding an employment and this can be financially constraining.
A lack of Education may also limit a person's understanding about the society in which they live, because learning provides positive encouragement in life. Creates opportunities to grow and better aids understanding of the way in which people live and function in the society.
Finally, individuals have to take control of their own identities, but those identities have come about by their upbringing, the society, and their relationships with others.
