Cultural Identity Commitment Essay

Cultural identity refers to a person's sense of belonging to a certain culture or group. The process revolves around learning about and being tolerant of traditions, language, ancestry, religion, aesthetics, heritage, thinking the pattern and social structure of a culture. The targeted person will have to internalize the beliefs, values, norm and social practices of their culture and associate themselves with that culture. The culture then becomes part of their self-concept. It thus stands to reason that cultural identity is fundamental to a person's sense of self. People identify with different cultures and subcultures for varying reasons. This essay seeks to expound on why people commit to cultural identities.

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People identify with certain cultures as a way to rebel other cultures or people they deem imposing. This explains the reason why people identify with cultures which might be considered minor or inferior. The example of the Ras Tafari movement can give a better insight into cultural identity based on this reason. The culture arose from the call to decolonization and independence (Ozay, 2012). The movement arose from the need to identify with the African culture. This resulted in a withdrawal into the racially exclusive group to achieve individual realization and a shared destiny different from that of their colonizers.

The other reasons why people commit to certain cultures could be informed by the minority influence. The minority influence occurs in instances where the point of view of the minority is consistent, flexible and appealing to the individuals in the majority. A consistent and unwavering opinion has a high appeal hence a higher chance of adoption. Researchers agree that cultural identity among individuals in the minority is sustained as long as there are consistency and agreement among the members of the minority. The identity in minority groups is further strengthened if the cultured is flexible, elastic and willing to change. This is the reason that shape cultural identity commitment in minority entities.

Cultural alienation has also been proven to play an important role in why people commit to certain cultures. Anderson, (1994) in his analysis of why adolescents committed to the culture of drug usage, argued that alienation from society motivated individuals to identify with alternative social groups. He further argues that when young people are severed from the ideals and positively cultural statuses they developed feelings of alienation or social isolation. The alienation may develop into personal marginalization and eventually into social marginalization in areas such as employment, education, and culture in comparison to those around them. The extreme discomfort called ego identity discomfort that such individuals experience results in the persons forming a negative identity of themselves; hence they and up committing to cultures that abuse drugs.

Parenting in different cultures plays an important role in molding a person's identity. This is particularly achieved in children whose behaviors and thinking patterns are influenced by parents. Families are key to preparing how the child will interact with the wider society. When children interact with parents, they learn a variety of socio-cultural rules, taboos, and experiences. They thus develop a conversational style resembling that of their parents. Put differently, their identity is shaped by their parents, and that often depends on culture. It thus follows that the commitment to certain cultures arises from the thoughts and beliefs cultivated in an individual for a significant period by their families.

Cultural identity commitment can also be informed by selfish reasons. Individuals can choose to identify with some cultures than others in a bid to cater to their interest. For example, people may identify with cultures where they feel appreciated or feel they match with their social status or financial standing. For example, one may one to identify with individualistic culture rather than collectivistic culture for the reason the later imposes communal responsibilities they do not align or conform to.

Commitment to culture can also be informed by fear. This is particularly true in the understanding of why people commit to a religion. The teachings of religion outline consequences for non-believers. Gartner Lason, & Allen, (1991) noted in their study that the fear of death was crucial in shaping people's affiliation with religion. Consequently, it follows that Cultural identity commitment on matters concerning religion is informed by fear. However, identifying with religion can also be as a result of the spiritual connection individuals claim to establish with God and the inner peace they experience.

As changes occur in the world, individuals, as well as groups, become more insecure and existentially uncertain of their identity. Therefore, most people respond by seeking a reaffirmation of their identity by drawing closer to any collective that they perceive to reduce insecurity and existential anxiety.

The essay has expounded on cultural identity commitment. The essay notes that people commit to cultures on the grounds of influence from parents, self-alienation, and also on selfish reasons. The paper has also argued the case of why people commit to minority groups and argues the reason for minority influence and on rebel grounds.

References

Anderson, T. L. (1994). Drug Abuse and Identity: Linking Micro and Macro Factors. The Sociological Quarterly, 35(1), 159-174. doi:10.1111/j.1533-8525.1994.tb00404.x

Gartner, J., Lason, D., & Allen, G. (1991). Religious commitment, mental health, and prosocial behavior: A review of the empirical literature. Religion and the clinical practice of psychology, 187-214. doi:10.1037/10199-007

Ozay, A. (2012). The Multifaceted Development of Jamaican Identity: Both Religious and Linguistic In Nature. Retrieved April 6, 2019, from https://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/Ozay.htm