Why the Role of Education Is So Important for Shaping One's Identity - Essay Example

Why the role of education is so important for shaping one's identity? Introduction of the main research question With the continued development of globalization in the contemporary time, personal identity has proved to be a very significant factor in the society. Studies has proved that in the developing society, identity has turned out to be a major aspect in the determination of individuals sense of direction in the labor force, perceptions and the way of life. As academicians like Stryker, et al (2002) has pointed out, identity does not develop in a vacuum and furthermore, it does not come naturally. He argues that it is developed and shaped by various factors including the socialization process which takes place within a particular cultural context; and education which can be obtained from a school or at home. Evidently, the role of education or schooling is very essential in defining individuals’ identity. This paper seeks to answer one main question: Why is the role of education so important in defining one’s identity? And why schooling or education affects the shaping of one’s identity. The importance of shaping individuals identity is to enhance their compatibility with their parents, community and culture Stryker, et al (2002). What is identity and how is it shaped? The term ‘identity’ in the central question refers to the idea of ‘self-identity’ (Fearon, 1999) which has many broad definitions. Generally, the ‘identity’ has strong relationship with society as Stryker, et al (2000) states that the concept of identity has become a fertile ground understanding collective behavior, personal experience, and relationship between self and society’. Studies have revealed various ways in which identity is shaped. For instance, researchers have indicated that a person’s identity is shaped by groups, one’s cultures, and institutions such as families and schools which play a fundamental responsibility in individuals’ lives. Through these persons are able to acquire essential information and basic capabilities required in the process of identity-shaping. Underlying assumptions It is apparent that there are both negative and positive perceptions regarding the role of education in shaping individuals identity. Some individuals perceive education to play a significant factor in defining individuals’ identity, while others have conflicting viewpoints such that education is an insignificant factor. However, research has indicated that education plays a significant role in shaping individuals identity as through education, they learn how to socialize and interact and this makes them compatible with others in the society. The general idea behind this is that all human beings belong to a particular society, however, an individual’s character differ from one person to the other. In point of fact, it is very significant for persons to maintain their own sense of identity. This is regardless of whether people know their self identity or not, as it leads to a sense of belonging and not belonging. Furthermore, the sense of isolation is also always present whether one feels that they belong or don’t belong. Secondary questions related to the major research question Before answering the main research question, it is important to consider other secondary questions linked to the central question. This will improve the research and in addition offer the reader a better understanding of the main idea discussed in the paper. These secondary questions will encompass: what are the factors in defining ones identity and how do they relate to schooling and education? And what are the difficulties of defining one’s identity through both the lack and presence of education and schooling. This will encompass the reasons behind parents sending their children to school, what they learn from schooling and how it is linked to their identity. Is schooling most effective for shaping one’s identity? Education is very effective factor for personal way of life as the class divided by level of education. Education could either be outside of school such as in the family or communities, or inside the school. Disciplines or family’s environment can be an education for children; however children usually spend and learn more in the school (Chickering and Reisser, 1993). They can learn something which they cannot learn in their families. Therefore, it can be concluded that, schooling is very effective in offering important education which assist in shaping one’s identity. Factors defining ones identity and how they relate to education and culture Career is one factor that influences one’s identity. A good career defines ones position and abilities. In addition it gives one a sense of belonging as well as transforms one’s life. Moreover it broadens your life and allows you to see the possibilities in life. As discussed, it is evident that people go to school to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them better their life (Law et al., 2002). Good careers therefore are linked to education. Education gives one an in depth understanding, empathy, insight as well as vision. Furthermore, it allows an individual to have the possibility of changing oneself as well as the world at large for the better. In conclusion one gets a profession out of the education he or she acquires. Besides, social status or class also influences a person’s identity. Power, fame as well as respect come about with education. The higher the education level of an individual, the higher their opportunities of acquiring a good employment that pays well (Reay et al, 2005). The good pay transforms one’s way of life to better life. A much better life defines their social status. In addition, culture influences one’s identity. According to (Chickering and Reisser, (1993) through education which assist in shaping individuals identity, persons are able to obtain the following: basic knowledge regarding the subsistence and content of different cultures; attain basic capabilities which help one to efficiently become incorporated into another culture; the capacity to assess other cultures and match them up to one’s own cultures; and defense from psychological or physical intimidation to continue being a part of the society in future. Alternative answers to the major research question The question as to why the role of education is very important in shaping one’s identity has received various answers from different scholars. In answering this question, we will consider the outcomes or answers of this research question as posed in the proposal. Identity entails the aspects of race, religion, culture, class, and class among others. In this paper, we will focus on three aspects of identity which include culture, class, and career. This will be based on the fact that education is one of the efficient factors for culture, career and class and these influences individuals’ identity. Evidence for and against each answer To help the reader understand better why education is very important in shaping one’s identity, various journal articles and research books will be considered in obtaining well supported facts which will assist in providing evidence to the proposed answers to the research question. Education influences culture As put forth by Margalit and Halbertal (1994), individuals have the right to belong to a certain culture, the right to be embedded in the societal context of a society as this is the only way they can be able to give value and meaning to their lives. Evidently, cultures offer an atmosphere within which persons can be capable of making meaningful alternatives. In addition, individual autonomy cannot be exercised outside a cultural background due to the fact that in a social and moral vacuum, the person is not capable of ascribing meaning or assess to value (Dale, 2007). As a result, to make certain that individuals become autonomous or have an open future, it is important to give abundant weight in one’s interest in belonging to a particular culture. How can this be achieved? Research has indicated that individuals can only achieve this by going through a complex and long process of socialization and education. Generally, parents have the freedom of determining the aims and content of their children education which will assist in shaping their identity. This is only recommended if the choices chosen by the parents would not create adults who are trapped within their own cultures (Dale, 2007). Chickering and Reisser (1993) points out that, individuals’ are born in specific groups or cultures which they do not chose to belong. As a result, individuals’ liberty is sufficiently protected by rights of exit which is coupled with the subsistence of the wider community open to persons wishing to exit their groups. However, this is only applicable to individuals who have specific basic capabilities to assist them become compatible and be able to cope within their new groups. According to Walker and Longhand (2001), through education which assist in shaping individuals identity, persons are able to obtain the following: basic knowledge regarding the subsistence and content of different cultures; attain basic capabilities which help one to efficiently become incorporated into another culture; the capacity to assess other cultures and match them up to one’s own cultures; and defense from psychological or physical intimidation to continue being a part of the society in future. Education has brought about many changes in the current society. One of such a change is globalization. Academicians have defined globalization as a procedure of integration and interaction amongst individuals, corporations and governments across the globe; a process driven by investment and international trade, and facilitated by information technology. Globalization has impacts on culture, environment, economic development, political systems, and on prosperity, all of which affects the wellbeing of individuals either positively or negatively in societies across the globe. Globalization is an important factor as it is based on the relationship between the contemporary societies in education. In addition, globalization includes the attention of people and society, especially Australia as it is a multicultural country. The word globalization connects with the idea of ‘multiculturalism. This is based on the fact that, it believes we need to understand many cultures to be globalised well. There are many cultures as Australia is a multiculturalism society and one’s identity as an important aspect belongs to society. Individuals can only be able to understand different cultures through education, which can be offered in schools or in the families or community. By understanding one’s culture and other people’s cultures, individuals are able to create a sense of self-identity; they are able to identify themselves with the wider society. Education influences career Individuals are able to define and shape their identity through their careers. It is evident that individuals’ education is of significant while determining their careers (Law et al., 2002). Studies have proven that with suitable training individuals are capable of performing their jobs better. This is linked both to the possession of the required knowledge and the feeling of confidence. Certainly, individuals’ choice of career is greatly influenced by one’s education and individuality. Self-identity is a model that consists of self-assessments. There are various characteristics which are assessed in this case and they encompass abilities and skills, personality, and occupation among others. For instance, a statement such as ‘I am a doctor’ is a self assessment which contributes to the self-identity (Chickering and Reisser, 1993). Most of these features are gained through education. For instance, for individuals to have a certain career, they must learn in order to gain various skills and competencies related to the same. Studies have revealed that the inclusion of career development in the school curriculum has brought with it various benefits. It is deemed as a lifelong procedure which opens a globe of opportunities to individuals by assisting them gain knowledge regarding themselves- their requirements, capabilities, likes, interests and dislikes (Law et al., 2002). The procedure encompasses learning about occupational opportunities and choices, and acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make career-planning and life decisions. Studies have proven that career development plays a significant role in helping individuals develop and maintain an optimistic self-identity and efficient interpersonal abilities. Self-identity encompasses both past and future selves. Generally, possible or future selves characterize a person’s dreams of what they may become, what they would like to become or what they are afraid of becoming (Markus and Nurius, 1986). They match up to standards, hopes, goals, threats and fears. For instance, many students hope to become something in future; may be a doctor, a lawyer, a psychologist or a teacher amongst others. Future selves usually function as incentives for prospect behaviours and additionally, they offer an interpretive and evaluate context for the present perception of self-identity. Education influences class It is apparent that social class is influenced by education. Basically people go to school with the aim of becoming better people in the society (Ronald, 1977). Depending on the level of success in one’s education, the social classes of people differ. Moreover completing increasingly advanced levels of education indicates that one has a drive as well as a commitment to learn as well as apply ideas, information, formulas and theories to attain a variety of goals as well as objectives and this makes such people be highly regarded in the society. Particularly why education is of paramount in defining people’s social status is probably the fact that one acquires the subject matter as well as basic knowledge which is deemed necessary for everyday life (Ronald, 1977). According to studies the more one learns the more they earn and this creates the gap between the rich and the poor in the society. This is due to the fact education is of importance to financial growth. It is apparent that education has become a basic requirement to so many employers. In the present day many of the employers require education at least a college level certificate even for the jobs that previously did not require any qualification for instance administrative assistants. This as a result has led to huge differences between the educated and the uneducated as the educated are surrounded by many opportunities of bettering their lives while the uneducated are left to wallow in poverty as it is hard for them to acquire employment (Reay, et al., 2005). In many parts of the world, education has been referred to as a social ladder. For instance in China since ancient times, education has always been regarded to as ascendancy. China has a poem that talks about study (Liqing, et al 2010). It says that the emperor values heroes, book can teach you how to be and that everything else is low grade only study is above all (Liqing, et al 2010). In China this poem has always been regarded as a golden rule to encourage people to study. What makes the education powerful in the Chinese society lies in the Imperial civil service commission. The imperial civil service examination began in 605 AD in Sui Dynasty, developing and maturing in the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty, and continuing to the Qing Dynasty, and lasting continuously for 1300 years (Liqing et al 2010). The examination had a significant impact on the society of China. In addition the impact was also experienced by the neighboring nation such as Japan who had imported the system. The system gave rise to civil service personnel in contemporary times. According to studies the imperial service examination chose its officials for the government (Liqing et al 2010). Those who had excelled in their examination had a great opportunity to be selected as to a position of an official. It is apparent that those who were chosen to these posts acquired much respect from others. Besides they also acquired power, fame as well as great fortune from the position. This generally transformed one’s life and raised their social status in the society (Liqing et al 2010). Therefore, the poor scholars felt challenged and they dedicated themselves to studying hard to succeed and get the coveted official position that would as a result transform their way of life as well as their social life. With time the system became a culture for the Chinese as everyone wanted to raise their social status and so education to them became the ladder to social status (Liqing et al 2010). New research questions which arise from the paper include; How social class influences education? How culture impacts education? Data collection and analysis Data on why the role of education is important in defining and shaping one’s identity was collected through the use of secondary sources which include research books and journal articles. These sources will also offer information on how education affects various aspects of identity including culture, career and class. Secondary sources of data collection are deemed efficient compared to primary sources as the former offers credible information and provide well supported facts and not just other people’s views and perceptions. This is due to the fact that, the research will be able to compare various publications combining similar thoughts which will assist in making a conclusion. Journal articles related to the main research question were obtained from the internet and through the university library websites which are relevant to the research. The evidence obtained was analyzed using statistical methods. Conclusion In conclusion, it is apparent that the role of education is very important in defining and shaping one’s identity. Through various aspects of cultural identity which include career, culture, and class, individuals are able to determine and shape their self-identify. The paper has assisted in further understanding of the theme of the course in that it has assisted in expounding on the aspect of education. References Arthur W. Chickering, Linda Reisser. (December 1993). Education and Identity. The Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series. Jossey-Bass Inc Pub Bill Law, Frans Meijers, Gerard Wijers. (2002). New Perpectives on Career and Identity in the contemporary world. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, Volume 30. Dale, R. (2007). Educating. In S. Matthewman, C.L. West Newman & B. Curtis (Eds.), On being sociological New York: PalgraveMacmillan, 295-316. Diane Reay, Miriam E. David, Stephen J. Ball. (2005). Degrees of choice: social class, race, gender and higher education. Trentham Books. James D. Fearon (November 1999). What is identity (as we now use the word)? Department of Political Science. Liqing, T., Margaret B. and Wayne H. 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