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Definition
Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging towards a
culture which can be justified as the shared set of
companionship, principles or beliefs of living.

It can also be considered as possessing the culture and its

various boundaries of civilization, nationality, language,
religion, and gender (caste and creed). It also means that
the person holds the traditions. The cultural identity
reveals the person’s heritage, as well as helps to identify
the same traditions or similar belief structures.

Importance of cultural identity

It is the base or the foundation on
which every other boundary is
established. We follow the norms
and traditions of our parents and
grandparents at a very tender age.
We continue to practice these norms
and tradition as it helps us to
become a source of identity and also
leads to better comprehend the
people who share these common
aspects of culture with us. This
practice will not only extend our relationships with them but also leads to further
advancement of the cultural identity through youths of today.
Ownership and responsibility of culture directly adds value to cultural identity. It includes
practicing religion, wearing traditional clothes or even eating traditional food that reflects the
culture of the area one belongs too. It helps in identifying an individual as a part of a
particular culture or nationality.

Aspects of cultural identity

 Nationality: It means the country where a
particular person is born in, or the country
that particular person currently resides in. It
determines cultural identity because that
person inherit the culture of that country.
  Ethnicity:   A very crucial aspect of cultural identity – is the culture of a person as it
often helps identify the physical looks of the person.

Religion: Believe in existence of GOD and the

WORLD. The set of moral beliefs and principles.
Religion helps in shaping cultures and determine
the personal and moral characteristics of an
individual throughout life. It contributes to
cultural identity

Education: Cultural identity has a direct impact on the way children perform in education.
Education varies from country to country. This can be well explained with the help of this
example –Asian children are generally quiet in class and normally do not make eye contact
with their teachers. Whereas, European children create active classroom discussion and
maintain eye contact as it reflects their respect and engagement.
How do Demographics of a person shape his or her cultural identity? Can you think
about other
A person’s cultural identity is usually shaped by the knowledge and understanding
aspects of
of his or her religion, ethnicity, language, generation coma social plus, and other cultural identity
such traits. When a person grows in a family, then he automatically becomes a part such as social
of many cultural groups that decide his religion, birthplace, mother tongue, class,
generation and other such related traits. Further, when the person becomes older characteristics
and starts going to school, and then college; then he finds himself connected to specific to a
particular
other different trades or his personality like his favourite sport, subjects, etc.
generation or
Culture helps to group persons belonging to a particular community and are
responsible for the creation and reinforcement of standards for cultivating a
particular culture appropriately and successfully. A person’s avowal and ascription
characters are also responsible for the formation of his or her cultural identity.

Why is it Important to Understand Cultural Identity?

The knowledge of your cultural identity prevents one from projecting their values onto
others. Naturally, you would assume that people do things for the same reason as you do.
Degrading other people’s culture knowing that they are different from yours.
Ensures peaceful co-existence with people of different cultures. Realizing that people have
different cultures is essential to develop a bonding and have peaceful existence and have
meaningful relationship. Understanding other people’s concept of their cultural identity
results in a deeper interaction.
MY REFLECTIONS

Do you feel you are

culturally aware?

Do feel closer to
people with whom
you share a common
culture?

How do you feel your

culture has impacted
your identity?

How have your

cultural values shaped
your decission-
making?