Desai, S. (2014, February 25). Self-Concept, Self-Identity, and Social Identity [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaA0mLVQd3k

Having a self-concept is synonymous with being self-aware, which requires understanding our existential self and our categorical self. There are three components to self-concept: self-image, self-esteem, and ideal self. Social identity theory includes a personal identity and a social identity that work together. The three steps we use to evaluate ourselves and others include categorization, identification, and comparison.

Dunfey, T.S. (2023, August 14). What is Social Change and Why Should We Care? SNHU. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/social-sciences/what-is-social-change

Social change relates to human interactions and how they transform relationships, institutions, and society. These changes can be cultural and social, and they occur over a period of time with profound consequences for society. One person’s idea of positive social change may be negative in someone else’s eyes, but regardless of the advocacy of change, change itself requires communication amongst various perspectives. The art of compromise has power to bring about the most lasting changes, so we have to build relationships with trust and respect- especially when they seem impossible- to cultivate constructive social change.

Ferrera, A. (2021, July 10). Your Identity is Your Superpower [Video]. TED. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQJhRDbsDzI

America Ferrera spent years getting turned down and rejected due to being a Latina, despite being born in (and even named) America. She explains that she cannot change what a system believes about her. She realized that she can be a person who desperately wants to see change but also be a person whose actions keep things exactly the way they are. Change will come when we all have the courage to question our fundamental values and beliefs and then ensure that our actions lead to what we want to see. Identity is not an obstacle; it is a superpower.

Munoz, F.E. (2018, September 19). How Our Identities Are Socially Constructed [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIuJT1n2vRY

Identity cannot be created without the help of others, and it is not a static concept. Identity is all about changing, improving, and progressing. There are four steps to constructing identity: receiving (be open to the information you receive from others and your reactions), accepting (sometimes these people will be wrong, but other time’s they’ll be right), expressing (act as you are and see yourself as you are, others will too), and repeat the process. Identity determines what you do, how you react, how you see yourself, and how others see you.

Practical Psychology. (2019, August 17). How Culture Affects Your Personality [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx-1EthJeIg

Cultures can vary even within the same borders. Culture is not a concept bound by geographic location, but it can heavily influence each person’s individual personality. There are numerous categories that people may belong to that can each define a specific culture. Each of these cultures can influence various aspects of individual personalities. Some examples of these differences include avoidance versus approach and individualism versus collectivism.

Three themes that emerged from these definitions are as follows:

1.  Identity is a group effort, constructed by an individual and those around them.

2.  Change is inevitable, but we can choose to be an active part of it rather than a passive participant.

3.  To create positive social change, we must understand our personal identity and how it influences and responds to those around us.

The theme that has the greatest personal significance to me is that change is inevitable, but we can be active in it. This has the most significance to me because I had a really difficult childhood and often wished so hard I could have different circumstances, a different family, or a different life. One thing I learned from my adversity is that I can’t avoid the things that happen to me, but I can choose what I learn from and do with them. Being an active participant in my life has helped me heal tremendously from my past, so this theme hits home for me. I know change will always be a part of life, but I can choose to participate in that change in positive ways rather than fearing it.

The theme that I believe has the greatest societal significance is the theme of identity as a group effort. Understanding that identity has a reciprocal relationship with groups and cultures can help us understand where interventions may be most beneficial. Instead of focusing on improving the values and beliefs of hundreds of individuals, shifting our efforts to improving societal conditions may prove more beneficial. We cannot change what people think, but we can work towards improving living conditions, opportunities, and the social institutions that may be holding these people back.

I really struggled with this reflection as I truly feel there are aspects of each theory that resonate with my character and values. I’m resourceful, I take initiative, I’m challenge oriented, I’m confident, I’m rational and objective, I’m self-assured and resilient, I’m truth-seeking and rely on my values to guide me. If I had to choose one theory of personal change that best reflects my character, I would choose self-actualization theory. I truly seek authentic meaning in my goals and pursuits and if my path doesn’t align with my purpose, I find it easy to redirect myself. I’m constantly reflecting on my life and brainstorming ways to improve. While I’m introspective, I’m also fulfilled with myself. My intrapersonal relationships are important to me, but I’m happy with myself and proud of my accomplishments because I am responsible for them. I’m just as happy in my own company as I am surrounded by those that I love. I have a love for life and a fondness for all things big and small, from sunsets and stars to bees and dandelions.

When I consider my goals for the future, I instantly think of all the ways I'd improve our justice system. I think we haven't yet implemented interventions, mental health assistance, and rehabilitative efforts to the extent we should. I believe strongly in strengthening our nation by strengthening the people that compose it. I think by punishing people when they do wrong, we're simply putting a band aid on a larger issue. For these reasons, I believe the social change initiative that best aligns with my ideals is the recommendations in behavioral health and policing. According to the APA (2021), police interactions with the public would be better improved with investments in crisis intervention teams, mental health response teams, and de-escalation training. The APA (2021) also recommends private/public partnerships between mental health organizations and local law enforcement- all things that align with my values.