Identity Formation Research Articles

Homemaking in White America: The Jue Joe Ranch, 1919–1958

abstract: Housing is an important architectural construct in the process of immigrant resettlement in receiving countries. This study situates the Jue Joe Ranch in the San Fernando Valley within the social and political contexts of spatial exclusion in agriculture and suburbia, as well as the identity formation processes of the family from 1919 to 1958. I argue that the homemaking practices of the Jue family constituted a spatial, architectural resistance to White dominance based on the family's changing Chinese American identities. Homemaking operated not only as a social response, but also as a temporal and spatial process articulated through various scales. While the first-generation immigrant Jue Joe used the land and buildings primarily as spaces of food production, the second- and third-generation children employed the built environment mainly for cultural production. They strategically and tactfully expressed their longing for the material aspects of Chinese traditions through the interior spaces and intangible everyday practices. These embodied experiences, which communicate important voices of resistance to spatial assimilation, continue to define the meanings of home for immigrant communities in America today.

Professional identity formation of medical students in relation to older persons’ healthcare: exploring the views of older persons living in the Netherlands – a qualitative study

ObjectivesGiven the growing population of older persons, medical students need to develop an appropriate professional identity to comply with older persons’ healthcare needs. In this study, we explored the needs...

Choreographic leadership and audience mobilization as resistance: digital sex work after the Social Media Safety Act

Digital media platforms’ incessant deplatforming have encouraged sex workers across the globe to organize novel forms of resistance and (re)construct defensive identities, embracing and resisting the dominating forces of patriarchalism and sexual fetishization to affirm control over their labor, their bodies, and their place in society. Sex workers’ content and fostered digital environments function to condense their globally dispersed constituencies into a common subjectivity, forming counterpublics to move against the restrictive hierarchies of “dominant publics” and give voice to the forms of sexual and gendered identity silenced across mainstream media. To sustain resistance against relentless legislative precarity and corporate disavowal—most recently exemplified by the passing of the draconian Social Media Safety Act in the United States—sex workers use a uniquely digital form of choreography to mobilize their disparate audiences across mercurial media platforms, websites, and services, taking on the role of “soft leaders” or “choreographers” to foster a symbolic construction of emotional space in which their audiences may congregate regardless of the movements of moderation or deplatforming their expressions of individuality and sexuality may have to endure across (inter)national legislative contexts. This digital process of mobilization is a performative and sustained form of labor.

경계 사이에서 : 한국 입양인의 민족주의와 초국적 정체성의 교차

This article explores the complex interplay between nationalism and transnational adoption, using the case of Korean adoptees in the United States to highlight how nationalist ideologies and transnational realities intersect and affect individual identities. The argument posits that while nationalism traditionally seeks to create a homogeneous national identity, transnational adoption introduces nuances that challenge these homogenizing forces by presenting a form of hybridity and transnational identity that cannot be easily reconciled with conventional nationalist narratives. It delves into how Korean adoptees navigate their identities between ethnic nationalism in Korea and civic nationalism in the US, suggesting that transnational adoptees live within a tension of being neither fully one nor the other. The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of how transnational adoptees form their identities amidst contrasting nationalisms and to examine the implications of these identities for broader debates on nationalism and globalization. By focusing on Korean adoptees, the paper seeks to illuminate the broader social and political mechanisms at play in shaping transnational identities, thereby contributing to academic discussions in the fields of sociology, cultural studies, and international relations.

A dynamic WUSCHEL/Layer 1 interplay directs shoot apical meristem formation during regeneration in tobacco.

De novo shoot apical meristem (SAM) organogenesis during regeneration in tissue culture has been investigated for several decades, but the precise mechanisms governing early-stage cell fate specification remain elusive. In contrast to SAM establishment during embryogenesis, in vitro SAM formation occurs without positional cues and is characterized by autonomous initiation of cellular patterning. Here, we report on the initial stages of SAM organogenesis and on the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate gene patterning to establish SAM homeostasis. We found that SAM organogenesis in tobacco calli starts with protuberance formation followed by the formation of an intact L1 layer covering the nascent protuberance. We also exposed a complex interdependent relationship between L1 and WUS expression and revealed that any disruption in this interplay compromises shoot formation. Silencing WUS in nascent protuberances prevented L1 formation and caused the disorganization of the outer cell layers exhibiting both anticlinal and periclinal divisions, suggesting WUS plays a critical role in the proper establishment and organization of L1 during SAM organogenesis. We further discovered that silencing TONNEAU1 prevents the exclusive occurrence of anticlinal divisions in the outermost layer of the protuberances and suppresses the acquisition of L1 cellular identity and L1 formation, ultimately impeding SAM formation and regeneration. This study provides a novel molecular framework for the characterization of a WUS/L1 interplay that mediates SAM formation during regeneration.

Racial Affirmative Action and the Consensus on Phenotypic Hetero-Identification: Notes on the State Universities of the Brazilian Midwest

Racial affirmative action policies in Brazil have recently reached consensus in their technical procedures for defining black subjects of law, through phenotypic heteroidentification panels. Such panels aim to minimize reports of fraud, legitimize the subjects of affirmative policy law and provide legal security to institutions. This article revisits the construction of this consensus. Before 2012, the landmark Law 12,711, which standardizes affirmative actions in Federal Higher Education Institutions, there was a diversity of understandings and selection procedures. Currently, there is a unified model for these federal institutions and homogeneity regarding the phenotypic heteroidentification procedure. As federal legislation is not imposed on state universities, we highlight similarities and differences between the hegemonic model of phenotypic heteroidentification of federal and state universities in the Midwest. Methodologically, we conducted documentary and bibliographical research on the selection processes of State Universities in the Central-West region, with an emphasis on the different models of phenotypic heteroidentification implemented throughout the 21st century. The results indicate, in many ways, an essentialization of black identity and a depoliticization of the public debate on racial issues in Brazil. We therefore assess that this resulted in a decrease of criticism of the formation of Brazilian national identity and the establishment of objective parameters for the definition of black subjects of law.

ANALYSIS OF THE “EAST” IMAGE IN THE WORKS OF THE BEIJING SPIRITUAL MISSION LEADERS OF THE XVIII - EARLY XX CENTURIES

The purpose of the study. The article is devoted to the problem of forming ideas about the East in the representative writings of the Beijing Spiritual Mission. Special attention is paid to the ideas contributed to the formation of the socio-cultural construct “East”, which is important for the formation of the Russian state identity today, in the context of the formation of a multipolar world model. Conclusions. As a result of the research, we traced the evolution of the East images as “alien” and “other” in the intercultural interaction context through the activities of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing, which created the foundations for an effective intercultural dialogue of the period previously considered.

The Public’s Response to the Book of Mormon

When the Book of Mormon was published in March 1830, it represented a textual shift from the Bible as the representation of sole scriptural truth to the possibility of the Book of Mormon as an equal contender. Within the New York newspaper scene, the Book of Mormon was constructed as a novel false scripture as well as a true culmination of prophecy by competing parties. Within these parties, social actors presented interesting rhetorical dynamics between the establishment of authority and competing Christian canons. Both parties use scripture – the Bible and the Book of Mormon – as tools to navigate the world. One party uses the Bible to argue that the Book of Mormon stands in opposition to an established Christian canon. The other argues that the Book of Mormon is a fulfilment of prophecy made necessary by the Bible. This paper explores the clash of authoritative discourses between those who understood the Book of Mormon as scripture and those who did not. Nevertheless, both groups insist on taking “scripture” seriously. Reading the archive with critical phenomenology, I argue that the publication of the Book of Mormon represents a historical moment where the identity formations of nineteenth-century Americans relied on a discourse of authority mediated through competing canons.

Ecotourism design affordances, identity, and intelligence: how does it influence tourist pro-environmental behaviour?

ABSTRACT This study explores the link between perceived ecotourism design affordances, environmental identity, sustainable intelligence, and pro-environmental behaviour among ecotourists. Through quantitative research design with purposive sampling, the study analysed 239 responses using Partial-least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study found that dimensions of functional/aesthetic and social/symbolic affordance significantly influence environmental identity. The social/symbolic construct is subsequently found to contribute significantly to sustainable intelligence and later shapes pro-environmental behaviour. The study also validates that environmental identity mediates the functional/aesthetic and social/symbolic relationship with sustainable intelligence. These results contribute to refining theoretical models and provide a more robust foundation for future research in environmental psychology and sustainable behaviour. The study’s originality lies in its multifaceted exploration of ecotourism affordance dimensions and their interconnectedness, shedding light on the dynamics that underlie the formation of environmental identity, sustainable intelligence, and subsequent pro-environmental behaviour.

Cultural risk & adaptation: Contributions to psychopathology by social position

Culturally-influenced adaptation and maladaptation may influence college students' mental health across various forms of cultural identity (e.g., racial/ethnic identity, socioeconomic status [SES]). In this cross-sectional study, 925 college students (Mage = 19.9, 67% self-identified female, 64% White, 25% Hispanic/Latino, 69% middle class or below) responded to a one-time questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that cultural risk (insecurity, stress, discrimination) and adaptation (centrality, routine behaviors, motivation, resilience) were differentially associated with internalizing symptoms. Multigroup analyses by cultural identity subgroups indicated that cultural risk was associated with greater internalizing symptoms across all SES groups, but most salient for high SES students, and more strongly associated with anxiety among White students compared to racial/ethnically minoritized students. Cultural adaptation more saliently predicted internalizing symptoms for students with lower-middle/working-class SES identity. College students experience multi-faceted risk and adaptation related to their cultural identities, experiences of which are shaped by social position and differentially contribute to mental health.

An evidence-informed pedagogical approach to support professional identity formation in medical students: AMEE Guide No. 171

There is a long and impressive scholarly history evidencing why it is important to address professional identity formation (PIF) in medical curricula. In this AMEE Guide, the authors present an evidence-informed pedagogical approach to assist educators in developing educational practices to foster a healthy PIF in medical students. The authors first describe the theoretical framework that underpin this approach. At the core of this framework is the recognition that, for a healthy PIF, students need to become aware that they have the autonomy, but also responsibility, to form their professional identity in a way that fits both their personality and their (future) professional role. In other words, students need to learn to navigate the interplay between socialization and subjectification. Next, the authors outline the six-step structure of their pedagogical approach, designed to help students: (1) undergo a PIF-related experience, (2) observe their responses to the experience, (3) externalize their reflections, (4) share their reflections, (5) broaden their perspective, and (6) explore their freedom of choice through experimentation. The authors also describe six conducive conditions to facilitate the implementation of the pedagogical approach. These conditions include (1) creating a setting that enables students to slow down, (2) adopting a longitudinal approach, (3) making it part of the formal curriculum, (4) refraining from grading, (5) establishing an interdisciplinary expert team, and (6) providing teacher training. The authors conclude that the theoretical framework leads to a coherent and consistent pedagogical approach that, when implemented according to the conducive conditions, enables students to gradually internalize the reflective process and help them to cultivate a reflective attitude towards their PIF.

Shifting the Paradigm in Workforce Diversity: Prioritizing an Inclusive Environment in Graduate Medical Education.

A diverse physician workforce is important to achieving the goal of health equity. Recruitment efforts are often the focus of graduate medical education (GME) workforce diversity efforts. However, to achieve the goal of workforce diversity, a foundation of inclusivity is essential to address the experiences of trainees whose race and ethnicity are underrepresented in medicine (UIM).Professional identity formation (PIF) describes the process through which trainees integrate their personal and professional identities as they learn to not only act but feel like they belong in their professional role. The concept of PIF provides a framework to consider how GME leaders can intentionally address inclusivity in training programs. The process of PIF is influenced by many factors including trainees' clinical and non-clinical experiences, their treatment by others, as well as the training program's structure, policy, and physical environment. The authors describe these factors influencing PIF, then through the lens of PIF, describe approaches that programs and institutions have taken to address inclusivity by investing in the workforce, disrupting the hidden curriculum, revisiting policies and procedures, and examining the physical environment.The authors encourage programs, institutions, and the greater GME community to leverage each learning environment's unique strengths and root out challenges to enhance inclusivity for UIM trainees.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY: THE ROLE OF MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION IN MITIGATING ETHNIC CONFLICT & FOSTERING UNITY IN PAKISTAN

This paper aims to analyze and synthesize whether multicultural education can serve as a means of easing the ethnic conflict and cultural diversity in Pakistan. The ethnic diversity of nations, languages, and cultures has been a strength and, simultaneously, a weakness due to conflicts. This study submits that it is possible to coordinate multicultural education in schools and make it important tool for improving understanding amid different communities. This paper relies on the review of current policies concerning the education systems and proposals drawn from case studies of multicultural societies to provide an understanding of the way forward for Pakistan in responding to the multicultural realities in its education systems that how incorporating multicultural perspectives into the curriculum can help students appreciate different cultures and reduce biases. According to studies, minimization of conflict amid different forms of identities is possible by adopting presented cultural-structural model, that may boost positive attitude toward multiple Pakistani identities and promote the enhancement of the social cohesion in the country.

Impact of Social Media on Cultural Identity in Urban Youth

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social media on cultural identity in urban youth. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Social media platforms serve as significant spaces where urban youth engage, express, and negotiate their cultural identities. These platforms provide access to a diverse range of cultural expressions, facilitating the blending and reshaping of traditional and modern cultural elements. Studies have shown that social media influences urban youth by offering a sense of community and belonging, where they can connect with like-minded peers globally, thus fostering a globalized cultural perspective. However, this exposure also poses challenges, such as cultural homogenization and the potential loss of distinct local cultural identities. Additionally, the curated nature of social media content often promotes idealized cultural norms, influencing youth to conform to certain stereotypes and societal expectations. Despite these challenges, social media remains a powerful tool for cultural expression and identity formation, enabling urban youth to navigate and redefine their cultural landscapes in dynamic and innovative ways. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, uses and gratifications theory and cultural convergence theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of social media on cultural identity in urban youth. Practically, there is a pressing need for digital literacy programs that educate youth on critical engagement with social media. From a policy perspective, integrating cultural education into school curricula is essential.

In Search of the People: The Formation of Legitimacy and Identity in the Debate on Internment in Northern Ireland

The identification of and with “the people” has important effects in political discourse. It works to legitimise political goals; it constructs inclusion and identity, and it produces exclusion of those who do not fit the characteristics attached to “the people.” The current article examines how different concepts of ‘the people’ were constructed by various political groups in Northern Ireland in the debate on internment in the early 1970s. Internment was introduced in August 1971 in order to curb the escalating conflict, but came to increase rather than reduce the level of conflict. The article discusses how exclusionary concepts of “the people” worked to widen the gulf between the groups, and identifies four main sets of “peoples” constructed in the debate: “the loyal people,” “the responsible people,” “the moral people” and “the risen people.”

Complexity, Struggle, and the Dialogical Self: Learning from New Teachers to Shift the Paradigm of Teacher Education and Professional Learning

Getting started in any new profession can be daunting, but the learning curve associated with becoming a teacher is particularly steep given the complexity of both the act of teaching (e.g., planning lessons, assessing learning) and the roles teachers occupy (managing relationships, responding to policy directives) that new teachers must master with levels of support that are, historically, uneven. This transition is further complicated by simplistic notions that dominate conceptions of teacher learning and practice. This article draws upon a study of the challenges new teachers encounter and the participants’ responses to those challenges. The data index the importance of viewing teacher development, practice, and identity formation from a complexity perspective. Working from the data generated during this study of the new teachers’ lived experiences, which are situated against a backdrop of the literature chronicling a problematic lack of progress in supporting new teachers, this article describes how Dialogical Self theory can play a crucial role in a paradigm shift in approaches to teacher development and practice that accounts for complex and contextually dependent nature of teacher learning, practice, and identity formation.

Deras, Identity, and Caste Cleavages in the Sikh-Dominated Society of Punjab

The argument of the paper is that deras, as religio-spiritual and philanthropic organizations, play a critical role in the identity formation of their followers (by providing them distinct symbols, sacred texts, gurus, cultural traits, codes of conduct, rituals, and prayers), which score the social surface and carve out numbers of distinct religio-cultural groups in the Sikh-dominated society of Punjab. Moreover, the value gainsay, along with the orchestrated identity formation process of deras, generates conflict in the Sikh-dominated society of Punjab, which deepens the prevailing social cleavages as well as generating new conflicts in the society. Such conflicts further degrade the social position of deras’ followers (who invariably belong to Scheduled Castes and Backward Castes) and even marginalize them within their own erstwhile caste(s) and community. By taking Dera Sacha Sauda as a reference, the paper shows that the value gainsay and the identity formation processes of the dera generate social conflict between its followers and radical Sikhs in Punjab. The study reveals that such conflict not only generates new social cleavage(s) (viz., Premies vs. Sikhs) between the two ideologically distinct segments but also engenders the prevailing caste and class cleavages in society.

The "Female-to-Male" Phenomenon in Short Videos: A Feminist Media Analysis

Feminist media analysis is a set of critical analytical tools used to understand how different kinds of media contribute to the molding of gender and identity, which has played a crucial part in the development of feminism and the media-driven society. This paper conducts a feminist media analysis to investigate the phenomenon of "female-to-male" presentations in TikTok short videos. This paper aims to challenge some traditional notions of "performing gender," as conceptualized by digital media theories, which disrupt established performance standards and promote broader acceptance of diverse practices. Focusing on TikTok users Dayao Tongxue, Chen Lijun, Lapmoby, and Northeast Rain Sister, this research analyzes the content and influence of those influencers to understand how their performances challenge conventional norms and cultivate inclusiveness. The research concludes by examining the impact of social media on the formation of gender identity, specifically in the transition from language-sex to the identification as male or female.

Being, becoming, and belonging: reconceptualizing professional identity formation in medicine.

Over the last decade, there has been a drive to emphasize professional identity formation in medical education. This shift has had important and positive implications for the education of physicians. However, the increasing recognition of longstanding structural inequalities within society and the profession has highlighted how conceptualizations of professional identity formation have also had unintended harmful consequences. These include experiences of identity threat and exclusion, and the promotion of norms and values that over-emphasize the preferences of culturally dominant groups. In this paper, the authors put forth a reconceptualization of the process of professional identity formation in medicine through the elaboration of 3 schematic representations. Evolutions in the understandings of professional identity formation, as described in this paper, include re-defining socialization as an active process involving critical engagement with professional norms, emphasizing the role of agency, and recognizing the importance of belonging or exclusion on one's sense of professional self. The authors have framed their analysis as an evidence-informed educational guide with the aim of supporting the development of identities which embrace diverse ways of being, becoming, and belonging within the profession, while simultaneously upholding the standards required for the profession to meet its obligations to patients and society.

The Rural-Urban Intermarriage and Female Identity Formation in Contemporary China

This article analyzes the marital experiences of rural-urban female migrants in contemporary China through qualitative semi-structured interviews. It argues that these women have gained more autonomy and higher status within their families through intermarriage. Despite these improvements, they continue to face significant prejudices and pressures from family members and society. The empirical research reveals that female migrants often struggle with managing relationships with their elders. Additionally, differences in economic income and the division of domestic labor lead to conflicts over household finances between female migrants and their partners. The study found that female migrants are under multiple pressures from their partners and parents-in-law, often choosing to compromise in domestic conflicts. Overall, the autonomy that female migrants exhibit in intermarriages highlights a significant transformation in their self-determination and self-identification.