How Does Religion Affect An Individual's Identity?

An individual’s identity is made up of multiple identity threads. These encompass every aspect of the person and combine to make their sense of self (Burr, 2015). These identities intersect, overlap and influence each other. For example ethnicity, occupation and religion are all types of identity threads in which an individual can differ in. Your ethnicity can affect your religion (as may religions are quite often commonly accepted by nations or people groups), and your religion can affect your occupation. For the most part, these identity threads are not pre-determined but socially constructed. Meaning they are susceptible to change over time. For me I am a 18 year old female, born and raised in New Zealand, daughter and student. These threads …show more content…
Particularly with expressing their opinions and viewpoints and being heard (Kahu, 2015). This is an important result of citizenship. Due to their —- in a community, they are generally given the right to share these opinions and be listened to. However, there are many instances throughout history where this has not been the case. Not all voices are heard. Focusing in on New Zealand, there have been many political protests due to people/people groups feel unheard. Most recently controversy has sparked due to the TPPA Bill being introduced. Many New Zealanders thought the supposed ‘free trade agreement’ was not in the best interests of our nation and political protests occurred around the country (notably was on February 4th when key minsters from around the Pacific Rim met in Auckland and thousands of people marched down Queen Street). Political protests are a way of communicating your voice when you do not feel like you are being heard. Another form of expression which is quite important to Maori culture in particular is through the arts. Kara Haka, Moko and carving are key parts of their tradition and self