Collective identity refers to a shared sense of belonging to a group based on real or imagined attributes. It is a perception that may be constructed rather than directly experienced. Collective identities can be imposed by outsiders and depend on some acceptance by those they are applied to. The document discusses how collective identities are mediated and often more a construction than a true reflection. It explores how young people are represented in media with dominant negative images and how they create their own subcultures and collective identities with their own values and codes of conduct.

1. Collective Identity

2. What is collective identity? The individuals sense of belonging to a group (part of a personal group)

3. What is representation?The way reality is mediated or ‘re -presented’ to us

4. Is there any such thing as having a ‘collective identity’?

5. David Snow Although there is no consensual definition of collective identity, discussions of the concept invariably suggest that its essence resides in a shared sense of ‘one-ness’ or ‘we-ness’ anchored in real or imagined shared attributes and experiences among those who comprise the collectivity and in relation or contrast to one or more actual or imagined sets of ‘others’.”

6. Poletta and Jasper ‘it is a perception which may be imagined rather than experienced directly… A collective identity may have been first constructed by outsiders (for example, as in the case of Asians or refugees in this country), who may still enforce it, but it depends on some acceptance by those to whom it is applied.’

7. Is collective identity mediated? Both of these views would make it seem as if identity is more a construction than a real reflection of identity.

8. Key explorations:How are young people represented in the media and are these representations accurate? Consider the dominant negative media images (‘collective identity’ imposed by adults) of binge-drinking, drug-taking, promiscuous hoodies. Young people creating their own subcultures, their own ‘collective identity’ with their own values and codes - and in turn creating some of the most influential artistic movements such as punk and hip-hop.

9. Who are you?Music, Art, Fashion, Clothing, Hair, Lifestyle, LanguageSubcultureWho aren’t you?Dominant culture

10. Task:Create a self-representation chartConsider what images you will include, images you don’t feel comfortable sharingImages that reflect you as an individual and you as part of a collective group(s)Connotations of colours, images, language, musicTo present: next MPS lesson