Identity In Benwell's Paradigm Shift?

1.) What is the relationship between the concept of identity or “self” and historic shifts? Which key thinkers influenced some of these shifts? Provide examples and other forms of support from your reading in Benwell & Stokoe. In the 15th century, the concept of identity or “self” was not normalized, due to the fact that society focused more on surviving than self-expression. Factors such as not having money and class affected this idea of finding “oneself’” since many could not spoil themselves on personal needs. In addition many focused on living as a unit than individually, to conclude the people that thought of “self” consisted of a well-educated man who had the luxury to think. The concept of identity evolved as historic events occurred which caused a shift in the idea of “self’ “understanding of identity enables us to explore the way in which dominant cultural understanding are normalized in everyday texts and practices of interactions”. Benwell and Stokoe idea of the Paradigm Shift represents how society's overlook on the concept of “self” differentiated throughout the historic periods. …show more content…
Maglaty brought the example of how young boys in the 1980’s used to wear dresses and had long hair until they were over the age of seven and eight. However, in today's society, great importance has been placed on differentiating a baby boy from a baby girl, as Maglaty paper titled, “When did a Girls Start Wearing Pink” questioned this notion. While McAllister touches on Bratz dolls, and the role they have on gender construction for young girls, “The analysis focuses on Bratz positioning as a consumption-based ‘‘lifestyle’’ brand through an emphasis on brand appearance, promotionally based media, and group consumption” (224) However both authors agree on one thing, gender construction has become a known method for gaining