The aim of the essay is to get you to critically think about the concept of social identity and its relevance for understanding young people’s lives.
- You will need to select ONE online media item (NZ or from elsewhere) – this will be your example that you will use to explore the concept of social identity.
- Remember to include the reference and link for the media item in your reference list – your marker will need to access the media item.
- Be sure to ask yourself, why you chose this media example, what is interesting/significant about this media item? How does this media item help you to explore identity as a social process? How does this media item discuss the work that young people do to construct and perform identities, and the contexts that are central for shaping this identity work?
- You will need to gather and read relevant academic literature (readings) to help you to critically reflect on what particular ideas / understandings of social identity are presented within your media item. Use your readings (academic literature),to help you to explore how and why those particular ideas / understandings have developed, and to consider how / why the concept of social identity is relevant for understanding young people’s lives.
- The idea is for you to develop and present your knowledge of the various debates, theories and perspectives surrounding the concept of social identity and apply to the analysis of the media example.
- The course text and lecture readings should be your starting point. Other recommended readings can also be found in the Library Subject Guide for Youth