What is a prescribed identity?

Question

I dont really know the exact definition of this term. I believe it means an identity that is given to you by the society or community you live in.

Is this correct? and Does anyone have an example of this to help illustrate the meaning?

Answer 1

Yes.

Answer 2

You, my son, like your father before you, and his father before him, will become a dentist.  The family expects it of you.  The community expects it of you.  The government has noted you have a predisposition towards dentistry.  The local shaman has assigned you the future role of town dentist.  You will be a dentist, or we will disown you.  

That's a prescribed identity.