Describe some of the ways in w

Describe some of the ways in which it has been argued that identities can be seen as represented through symbols. The aim of this assignment is to describe the concept of symbols in the construction of identities. To explore the theories of visualisation and interpellation put forward by Mead and Althuser. To examine the link between symbols and representation in process of identities and to show how people perceptions of who we are is shaped …

…identity positions, they are interpellated (Althusser 1971) When we take up a particular identity we not only recognise ourselves in it but feel that is who we are. Interpellation links the individual to the social. A good example of this is the way in which advertisements present certain images, which invites us to buy a particular product, which signifies success. We then buy these symbols which interpellate the identities we want other to see us as.