How do anthropologists define 'identity'?

Anthropologists define 'identity' as the understanding of self in relation to culture, societal roles, and group affiliations. This definition encompasses how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others within a cultural context. Identity is not static; it is shaped by various factors such as cultural background, social interactions, and the roles individuals play in society.

Through this lens, identity includes aspects of personal identity, such as individual characteristics and experiences, along with social identity, which considers how individuals identify with larger groups based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, and other social categories. The interplay between self-perception and societal influences is crucial in understanding how identities are formed and expressed in various contexts.

Other choices, while relevant in their own rights, do not capture the multifaceted and relational nature of identity as understood in anthropology. Economic status, historical background, and geographical location can influence identity but are not comprehensive definitions of the concept itself. Instead, they are elements that may shape one's identity or influence an individual's understanding of themselves within a cultural framework.