Constructing and protecting identity in a diverse higher education context

Abstract

UK higher education (HE) has become increasingly diverse. Despite the clear social, economic and pedagogical benefits of diversity, it can also be challenging for identity as it may bring about psychological change and compel both the "dominant majority" and "minorities" to adjust to the presence, identities and worldviews of the other. Drawing upon Identity Process Theory from social psychology, the present article explores the potential challenges to identity in a diverse HE context and how students may subsequently cope with these challenges. After a brief overview of Breakwell's (1986) Identity Process Theory, two case studies are presented, namely how social class and ethnic/religious diversity can impact identity. The more general aim of this article is to develop the basic tools for enhancing students' learning experience in a diverse HE context. It is suggested that HE institutions need to support students from diverse backgrounds in ways that are conducive to a positive identity, and that they must facilitate a shared superordinate identity which can be viewed as inclusive and available to all, regardless of class, ethnicity, religion or any other identity.

Komunikasi Dosen dengan Mahasiswa Kelompok Digital-natives di Perguruan Tinggi

“…Identitas pribadi menunjukkan konsep diri mahasiswa digital-natives atau definisi diri mahasiswa digital-natives. Hasil telaah pustaka menunjukkan bahwa standar yang berlaku dalam pembahasan terkait digital-natives masih berkiblat pada pemikiran barat sehingga pantas saja jika penggunaan standar terkait digitalnatives pada setiap negara akan berbeda-beda (Gheorghiu &;Stephens, 2016;Hecht, 1984Hecht, , 1998Jaspal, 2015;McCune, 2019;Ramsey et al, 2019).…”

“…Enacted-Identity merupakan cara memberlakukan identitas personal melalui ekspresi konsep diri. Hal ini berkaitan dengan bagaimana suatu generasi mengomunikasikan identitasnya kepada orang lain (Gheorghiu &;Stephens, 2016;Hecht, 1984Hecht, , 1998Jaspal, 2015;McCune, 2019;Ramsey et al, 2019). Prensky (2001) menuliskan dalam artikelnya "Our students have changed radically Todays students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach".…”

Sexual Health Perceptions Among First-Year Students at a British University

“…For instance, some of the students who participated in this study were of British South Asian origin and described the cultural and religious norms that sometimes accentuated the desire for sexual freedom and exploration at university. As universities become increasingly diverse, there is a need for them to be cognizant of growing diversity in both pedagogy and pastoral support (Jaspal, 2015). A culturally competent approach to sexual health education is necessary given that this will increase the likelihood of engagement with, and acceptability of, a sexual health education program among students from diverse backgrounds (Fish, Papaloukas, Jaspal, & Williamson, 2016).…”

“…Participation in higher education among young people reached 49% in 2015, indicating that almost half of all young people now decide to go to university (Department for Education, 2007). Moreover, universities are diverse contexts with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and geographical areas (Jaspal, 2015).…”

Experiences of Turkish University Students on Academic Mobility: Before and after Academic Mobility Factors

“…We go to sea together, go to bazaar together to buy necessary vegetables and fruits; we share local life here, which I feel very safe myself with them (TUS23). A study suggests that higher education institutions are required to offer support to the students of various and diverse backgrounds at higher education in a way that they contribute to form a positive identity and develop a shared identity among the higher education students without paying attention to their class, ethnicity and/or religion [32]. Most students develop adaptation strategies for themselves.…”