Understanding Identity

Description

What is identity? Why are we interested in identity, in our everyday lives and in the social sciences? This text explores personal, social and cultural identities, drawing on examples of gendered, ethnic, aged and work identities, as well as those linked to place and nation. Taking an interdisciplinary approach it maps out contemporary debates about identity within sociology, cultural and media studies, social psycology and political science. Each chapter addresses the different way in which theories about identity have sought to resolve the tension between seeing identity as fixed and stable on the one hand, and fluid and changing on the other.

Kath Woodward is senior lecturer in Sociology at the Open University and chair of the very popular Introduction to the Social Sciences course. Her previous publications include "Identity and Difference" (ed.) Sage, 1997 and "Questioning Identity" (ed.) Routledge, 2000.

Kath Woodward's interest in identity emerges here as a coherent survey of the many elements that have gone into making the concept so central in contemporary sociology. Her experience of writing for the Open University comes through in the accessibility of her explanations and examples. The introduction stands as an essay in its own right .Woodward's approach is a breath of fresh air so valuable for undergraduate students. Sociology