How is Identity Negatively or Positively Influenced by Educational, Work, and Familial Settings?

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How Is Identity Negatively or Positively Influenced by Educational, Work, And Familial Settings?
Identity is a multifaceted and complex construct shaped by various factors, including educational, work, and familial settings. In the contemporary world, education and work environments are becoming intertwined, significantly affecting how people develop their identities. Identity is a complex concept that is shaped by a wide range of factors, including but not limited to familial, educational, and work settings. These settings can significantly shape an individual's beliefs, values, behaviors, and sense of self. In the reading "Son," Andrew Solomon compares and analyzes horizontal and vertical identities through the prisms of societal expectations. In "Project Classroom Makeover" by Cathy N. Davidson, the author argues that integrating technology into the educational system can impact students' identities by emphasizing conformity, standardized testing, and fixed intelligence. Also, in "Liquidated" by Karen Ho, the author explores how investment banking culture shapes the identities of those working in this industry. Ho argues that this culture creates a homogenous group of successful individuals in the industry but disconnected from broader societal issues and values. Identity development is influenced by familial, educational, and work settings, and these settings' effects can be positive or negative, depending on personal experiences, cultural norms, and societal expectations. A narrow understanding of success, competitiveness, and conformity can lead to a limited sense of self, while creativity, collaboration, and empathy can foster a more expansive sense of identity. Personal experiences and cultural norms can also shape how individuals understand their identities within these contexts.
A supportive family can provide a sense of belonging and validation for their children. Familial relationships play a significant role in identity development. In "Son" by Andrew Solomon, he explores the influence of familial settings on identity. He distinguishes between horizontal and vertical identities, with horizontal identities being shaped by factors such as nationality, ethnicity, and sexual orientation and vertical identities being shaped by factors such as disability and illness (Solomon 2012). Solomon argues that familial settings can support an individual's sense of identity. Solomon, a gay, dyslexic Jew raised as an anti-Jew, has done an excellent job of exploring the ethical debate over what constitutes a disease and what is recognized as an identity. Solomon argues that a family's response to a child's disability can either positively or negatively affect the child's identity formation. Solomon highlights the positive aspects of parenting a child with a disability by arguing that the experience can lead to a sense of purpose and empathy as parents learn to understand and appreciate their child's unique strengths and challenges. This experience can also lead to a more profound sense of community and connection as parents connect with other families going through similar experiences. When families show love, acceptance, and support, children with disabilities can develop a strong sense of self-worth and resilience. They feel validated and accepted for who they are, despite their disability. A family's cultural background and beliefs can thus shape their children's identities.
Familial settings can however negatively impact identity, as individuals may be subjected to abuse, neglect, or toxic family dynamics, leading to feelings of worthlessness, insecurity, and trauma. When families reject or stigmatize children with disabilities, they can experience low self-esteem and a weak sense of identity. However, a family with rigid gender roles or discriminatory beliefs may negatively impact their children's identities, leading to internalized oppression and a weakened sense of self-worth.
Educational settings play a crucial role in identity development. Technology can create opportunities for students to collaborate, share ideas, and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. In Davidson's (2012) book, she suggests that the integration of technology in education can positively affect identity formation. It can lead to a sense of belong...