Why do people want an "Identity"?

Question

Why do people want an "Identity"?

Answer 1

People want a basic sense of worth. Many ways that term is used are as good as five and ten cent books that use it any way to sell book for five and ten dollars which are worth the old term for their value.

Answer 2

People just want to be different from other people. World is getting boring and identity makes you stand up, from the crowd.

Answer 3

Identity defines me as a person

I have many identities, the first being that I am a mother, wife (gender identity) and friend, but I am also employee with specific identities, carer and teacher (social identity & class identity).

Answer 4

everyone has an identity it what defines you as you

it is part of your personality, social status etc...

man people strive for a more dfined identity by getting promoted at work, buying a bigger house, more expensive car etc...

edward1983

Answer 5

to avoid a whole nonchalant society of bores

Answer 6

Are you speaking on an individual level or a national one?

We are all individuals & people like to have their own identity for just this reason, to feel unique.

On a national level, I think it helps people feel as if they are part of a group of like minded people, I suppose this can give a feeling of strength & wholeness.

Answer 7

I don't think it's so much want as need. If you can try to consider how it would  be to live with episodic memory failure and be completely unable to retain any autobiographical data.. but retain semantic memory, so no problem with tying your laces or making a cup of tea.... be a very strange life to live wouldn't it?!

Answer 8

Without one you cannot enter the precious poker game of social life.

Answer 9

This is a little off your question but i have to ask. you are a striking resemblance to DUN DUN DUNNNNN!!!!

Ben Fogle. lol

http://www.benfogle.com/

used to be in big brother.

now on TV a lot

is it you?? lol

Answer 10

From a biological level, it can be explained in terms of evolution. People who formed groups and stuck with them were more likely to survive and have kids than those who did not. The desire for an "Identity" causes people to join and stick with groups, which was evolutionarily advantageous, so it is natural that we have kept this instinct. Many other animals in the world also form groups because it increases their evolutionary fitness.

From a more psychological perspective, group identity forms an essential part of who most people are. It helps us decide on various actions and makes decisions easier. Without an identity (either group, or national, or otherwise), most people feel that there is something missing, so they seek it out.

Answer 11

it gives succour and comfort to simple minded folks; folks who cant cope with multiple modes of thinking and the sheer variety of human(and non-human)existence. Defining things puts things in boxes, and people love to put things in boxes, including themselves

Answer 12

So that they know who they are and where they belong, freedom of expression hey...Knowing your identity can shape most aspects of your life..and even the choice of clothing and personal decisions!!! To answer your question i think it depends on the individual, values/interests and the given context. Imagine what life would be like if we all didn't have an identity, very bland??I love London because there is a diverse of cultures hence individuals with personality. What a colourful and vibrant city!!!!