CULTURAL POLICY INSTRUMENTS RELATED TO IDENTITY
When talking about identities, a distinction is usually made between two types: social identities and personal identities. Social identities are those that connect individuals to others who share similar characteristics. This collective dimension can sometimes lead to the formation of social movements. On the other hand, personal identities highlight what makes each individual unique and how they relate to the world around them. In the past, identities were mostly determined by factors like ethnicity, religion or social class, but today, identities are much more diverse and less stable.
Identity is a fundamental aspect of human existence, and it is of great importance for manifold reasons. It helps individuals comprehend their unique qualities, values, and beliefs. This self-awareness enables individuals to reflect on their emotions, thoughts, and actions. A sense of identity provides individuals with a sense of purpose and belonging to something greater than themselves (family, community, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion). In addition, having a clear understanding and acceptance of one's identity is crucial for maintaining good mental and emotional health. Those with a strong sense of self tend to have higher self-esteem, resilience, and overall satisfaction with their life. Identity guides individuals in making important life decisions and setting meaningful goals. This enables individuals to align their choices with their values and aspirations, resulting in a more satisfying and purposeful life. The shared sense of identity can create community and solidarity, leading to greater social cohesion and cooperation.
Cultural policy can shape and promote personal and social identity by recognising, celebrating, and preserving cultural heritage, supporting artistic expressions, and fostering a sense of belonging within communities. This can be done by:
- Policies that preserve cultural heritage sites, traditions, languages, and practices and enable communities to maintain their distinct identities and cultivate a shared identity.
- Providing funding and resources for cultural initiatives and projects that promote valuing and cherishing identity through grants, subsidies, or tax incentives.
- Integrating into school curricula and public programs to enable individuals to understand and appreciate their own cultural identity and that of others.
- Encouraging media outlets to represent and include diverse cultural identities in their content, including TV shows, films, music, and literature.
- The inclusion of multilingual and culturally sensitive communication in cultural policy initiatives that acknowledge the diversity of individual and social identities in society.
- Organising cultural festivals and events honouring specific traditions or cultural groups can help individuals develop a strong sense of personal identity and pride in their cultural heritage. It also fosters a sense of community and social identity among participants.
- Promoting collaboration between cultural institutions, non-governmental organisations and community groups that work towards cherishing cultural identity. By pooling their resources and expertise together, a significant impact can be achieved. (PC, ITK)