As a non-directive and flexible analytical tool, the concept of boundaries helps both to map and to define the changeability and mutability that are characteristic of people's experiences of the self in society. While identity is a volatile, flexible and abstract 'thing', its manifestations and the ways in which it is exercised are often open to view. Identity is made evident through the use of markers such as language, dress, behaviour and choice of space, whose effect depends on their recognition by other social beings. Markers help to create the boundaries that define similarities or differences between the marker wearer and the marker perceivers, their effectiveness depends on a shared understanding of their meaning. In a social context, misunderstandings can arise due to a misinterpretation of the significance of specific markers. Equally, an individual can use markers of identity to exert influence on other people without necessarily fulfilling all the criteria that an external observer might typically associate with such an abstract identity. COUNT 5
QSN1 What concept helps map and define people's experiences of self in society? ANS1 the concept of boundaries QSN2 What is a volatile, flexible, and abstract thing? ANS2 identity QSN3 Language, dress, behavior, and choice of space are affected by recognition by what group? ANS3 other social beings QSN4 What do markers help create? ANS4 boundaries QSN5 Markers can be used to exert what on other people? ANS5 influence