IDENTITY CRISIS AND WOMEN

March 8, national women’s day. In this 21^st century, women face a lot of problems. People still judge her cause of some typical underlined laws. There is a lot of girls who still have to depend on her father, brother, or husband. Manusmrithi laws are still going on. A society with more than half of its population under identity crisis, where women are raised with the mind-sets of getting ready to be someone’s plus one, can only progress as far enough as this thought. Such a mentality hints that a woman has no identity of herself, be it at home or at the state level.

What is identity?

Erikson defines identity as a “fundamental organizing principle which develops constantly throughout the lifespan.” sense of identity is to tackle new challenges and different experiences. It is a time of intensive analysis and exploration and different ways of looking at oneself. It is a subjective sense as well as an observable quality of personal sameness and continuity paired with some belief in the sameness and continuity of shared world image.

Identity status theory proposed by James Marco, he believed that three different areas of function- occupational roles, beliefs and values, sexuality.

l  Foreclosure- status in when the person has made a commitment without attempting identity exploration. This is often a response to anxiety about uncertainty or change during adolescence or pressure from parents, social growth, cultural expectations. They’re literally following in their footsteps. they’re well-behaved and obedient children with a high need of approval. They get authoritarian parenting style, they have a low level of tolerance and acceptance of change

l  Identity achievement- the individual has gone through an exploration of different identities and made a commitment to one. Individual deals with self-acceptance and have stable decisions.

l  Identity diffusion- tend to feel out of place in the world and don’t pursue a sense of identity- neither explored the option nor made a commitment. They have little awareness. This period is difficult for children and young adolescents. It may drift aimlessly and feel little sense of purpose. They have low self-esteem. They are easily influenced by peers, lack of meaningful friendship, little commitments, self-absorbed

l  Moratorium- who is actually involved in exploring different identities but, hasn’t made a commitment. They can’t adapt to new changes and challenges like losing loved ones, moving, starting new jobs. They are connected with mental illness. Time makes them anxious and emotionally tense, becomes rebellious, uncooperative, avoid dealing with problems, procrastinate, low self-esteem, uncertain decisions

 As identity development begins when individual identities role models who provided them with the option to explore who they can become. In progress, we are expected to make choices and commit to options within the social contest.

Identity versus confusion is the fifth stage of ego in psychologist Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during adolescence between the ages of approximately 12 and 18. During this stage, adolescents explore their independence and develop a sense of self. If they are failed to find the identity, occur identity confusion and leads to low self-esteem, lack of confidence, occupational and relationship issues.

These theories are defining it happens in every human. It’s natural. But the case of women starts in society and so-called laws. We can start with childhood princess stories they dream of nothing but a prince who came to rescue them from a curse. What does a kid learn from this? We can’t handle our problems.

Samskriti- it says”na stree swathanthramarhathi”.

Identity is important for every human. -Who you are mentally, physically, socially, economically, professionally and environmentally. It connects with the individual to produce social calling. It's our self-image, self-esteem and individuality. What is the need for identity?- Beyond the basic need for a sense of control we are deeply driven by our sense of identity.

HOFSTRU papers in anthropology, volume 7, article 2, 2012-  “womanhood is an ever-changing conception environmentally set by her beauty, sexuality and gender roles. Cultural norms to apply option between assimilation of ethnic pluralization is a difficult decision if they assimilate into the dominant culture they risk aligning a family. If they decide to remain plural they have to deal with not fully being accepted by society. Gender is a crucial factor in the development of identity. Sex roles have a pervasive influence on every aspect of adult life. The transition from childhood to adulthood in the context of gender roles is already problematic passages for females. They have to be pressed to maintain traditional roles and values.

Ruthellen Gosselson (clinical psychologist) in her research, on identity development on women applied on 12 women, found that the politics of women's body - sexuality, appearance, and behaviour. How women either adhere to cultural themes of female sexuality or deviate from the social norms and the consequences that decision has on women's life. Women experience strain on their social, family, and even professional, relationship and environments.

 

Act like a lady

This ideal usually stresses the importance of appearance, hygiene and behaviour. Female identity formation is critical to the female individual because of the way in which she defines her selves and what she bases her sense of self upon will. Ultimately the foundation for her life.

 Everyone is equal and deserves equality. Gender-equitable societies are healthier for everyone. Gender norms, improvements in women's access to health care, reproduction right and protection from violence, it affects positively on everyone’s life expectations. India is placed at 140 out of 156 countries in the gender equality index. When girls are educated, empowered they uplift their entire community And damage gender stereotypes. We are living in a patriarchal society in which women suffer toxic masculinity, misogyny and sexual violence. True equality unleashes human potential. When women are empowered our humanity is empowering equality benefit socially, economically, politically and psychologically. Not having an identity leads them to anxiety and isolation.

 Ms. Sithara Parveen

Assistant Professor of Psychology 

Al Shifa College of Arts and Science

Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna