Identity and Group Affiliation

According to Sims and Stephens, the key defining feature of a folk group is a form of esoteric knowledge shared by the members (Sims & Stephens, 30). In essence, communication of this knowledge between the persons involved is what separates the members from the nonmembers. This implies that this contact and sharing of informal knowledge is the basis for identity of the group and those involved (Sims & Stephens, 36). Based on this, one’s social identity, which is formed from the multiplicity of groups to which one perceives him or herself to belong, is founded upon their possession of esoteric knowledge. It is my perception that this is in fact quite true in that much of my perception of my identity is based on that which I associate. For example, one group which I perceive myself to be a member is the larger collective of Scandinavian music fans. There is quite a bit of esoteric knowledge transmitted between members of this group. Much of this knowledge relates to awareness of numerous musical groups and the particular style and ideology of the said musicians. This knowledge is often transmitted over the internet on various music forums and other sorts of web pages, but also in person between those in attendance at concerts. For example, I attended a concert in Chicago last September that featured a number of bands from Helsinki and Espoo, Finland. I observed many people in the crowds were engaging in discourse relating to Scandinavian music. In it seemed that many of those who were involved in these discussions had met at the concert and were attempting to prove to others there that they were in fact a member of this group. In essence, they were attempting to prove that they belonged there by voicing their esoteric knowledge. In addition to this, many others there also expressed their identity as part of the group by wearing concert t-shirts from other Scandinavian music performances that they had been to. For example, by wearing a shirt that depicted the logo of another band and the date of the show, members of the group could prove that they were versed in the music and taking part in the viewing of these performances.

This blog entry is my response to the Chapter Two Reflection Question.