Relate Gender, Ethnicity and Identity Synthesis Essay

Identity can be described as a person’s emotional connection to a certain social category system. The aspect of identity, gender, and ethnicity are closely related, and it can be difficult to draw a separation between the concepts. Nonetheless, there are research studies that have been conducted to elaborate on the three concepts.

This paper looks at the relationship between gender, ethnicity and identity. Identity has been described as an element of self. In this case, identity remains a critical part of the self-concept. It is also a term that is often used in reference to a social category system. The concept of identity can be intertwined with gender and identity issues.

The aspects of gender and identity are closely related. Indeed, gender identity refers to a person’s relationship to gender. In this respect, gender is regarded as a social category. Initially, the aspect of gender identity used to refer to the sense of one being a male or female. In psychiatry and clinical psychology, gender identity is used in categorizing gender identity disorders.

These disorders are often apportioned to the sex of individuals. In addition, the aspect of gender identity is reflected in the different age groups. In this respect, there are various gender identity disorders among children, adolescents, and adults (Ypeij, 2012).

Gender stereotypes can be described as elements of bias regarding the gender of certain individuals. In this respect, gender stereotypes can lead to inequality and unfair treatment directed towards individuals based on gender. In essence, gender stereotypes may be referred to as sexism. Some of the gender stereotypes include regarding women as passive and meant to handle domestic duties (Pierre & Mahalik, 2005).

Gender and ethnicity are critical elements in the identity formation especially among children. The establishment of identity among the ethnic minority groups is a critical aspect of the multicultural society. There is a difficulty among the ethnic minorities in their quest to integrate within the mainstream culture.

Therefore, children who need to choose between the ethnic identity of their family origin and that of the culture should be able to balance the two aspects.

Ethnic identity is determined by various factors including socializing to one’s culture, understanding the mainstream culture, and understanding the chauvinism and discrimination associated with ethnicity. The children have to cope with these issues in their quest for ethnic identity (Altschul, Oyserman & Bybee, 2006).

Gender and ethnicity are elements that are closely related. The two aspects are critical in establishing identity development. Studies indicate that there are differences in the development identities among the male and female genders. The males are said to be aware of the ethnic impediments, but aspire to get equivalence to the majority group.

On the other hand, women are known to enhance their association with the ethnic legacy and belief. Studies indicated that the African American men were concerned with parity and ethnic barriers prevalent in the society. However, African American females were concerned with ethnic pride and loyalty to their culture.

It has been noted that the males from the ethnic minority are socialized to be aware of the institutional barriers that are prevalent in the society. Therefore, they develop turn to some behavior and attitudes meant to compensate for the bias. This may include being sexist and becoming aggressive in resolving disputes (Pierre & Mahalik, 2005).

It can be concluded that gender, ethnicity and identity aspects are quite interesting. Identity formation studies should be highly encouraged especially in a multicultural society. Notably, ethnic minorities encounter some challenges when trying to strike a balance between their cultural identity and the mainstream culture. Nonetheless, gender and ethnicity are critical aspects of identity development.

References

Altschul, I., Oyserman, D., & Bybee, D. (2006). Racial–ethnic identity in mid-adolescence: Content and change as predictors of grades. Child Development, 77, 1155–1169.

Pierre, M. R., & Mahalik, J. R. (2005). Examining African self-consciousness and black racial identity as predictors of Black men’s psychological well-being. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 11, 28–40.

Ypeij, A. (2012). The Intersection of Gender and Ethnic Identities in the Cuzco–Machu Picchu Tourism Industry: Sácamefotos, Tour Guides, and Women Weavers. Latin American Perspectives, 39 (6): 17-35.