Introduction
Just what does the word “identity” mean? According to Fearon (1999) it has multiple definitions, originating mainly from work by psychologist Erik Erikson. However, in addition to the meanings Fearon discusses, Sullivan’s book “Digital Identity” (2011) offers another specific definition of the word; this one especially relevant to the technological age in which we live.
Meanings Offered by Fearon
According to Fearon, definitions of the word “identity” published in dictionaries “have not caught up” with current everyday usage and meanings. He claims that as the word is used in today’s language in both ordinary usage or in the context of social science, it can mean:
a) A socially-defined category, (with associated rules, attributes, or behavior) or:
b) Features that distinguish a person in a social context, and which the person is proud of, or fixed but socially significant views, or:
c) Both a) and b) simultaneously.
In the case of c), Fearon claims that the definition is actually is a modern combination of “dignity, pride, or honor” that links all these three to socially-defined categories. He regards that meaning as more substantial than meanings often submitted in the field of political science, and that his definition helps us to understand actions by politicians. His final point is that analysis of language is essential in clarifying concepts in social science relating to ordinary speech.
“Digital Identity” by Clare Sullivan
Sullivan’s book concerns primarily a specific legal concept associated with one’s digital identity in commercial transactions, with a particular focus on legislation such as the Identity Cards Act (UK) and the Australian Access Card Bill. Sullivan refers to “database identity” – a compilation of information about an individual. In the case of the above-mentioned UK legislation, it comprises a mass of data as follows: “name/s, gender, date and place of birth, date of death, photograph, signature and biometrics, citizenship and residential status including residential address/es, nationality, identity card number, passport number, work permit number, driver’s licence number” and much more. Within that mass of information is a subset known as the person’s “transaction identity” which is the data required in any transaction to confirm their identity. Sullivan expresses concern that this development of holding such an extensive database of personal details constitutes a serious invasion of personal privacy, although she does state that identity and privacy are two distinctly separate concepts. However, Sullivan also notes that both are “fundamental human rights” and expresses concern about the modern technologically-based crime of identity theft and its impact on the victims. A book well worth reading, especially as it can be read free of charge on the Web.
Conclusions
The research into the definition of identity produced some interesting results. Fearon’s paper provided some insights into what he calls the modern (multiple) definitions of the word as used in its general and/or social science contexts, but for this writer it was Sullivan’s book about one’s “digital” identity that provided the most fascinating and enlightening information. In these days of increased frequency of online shopping and other Internet-based activity, awareness of the aspects of digital identity information and especially the potential for the crime of identity theft, are relevant issues for us all.
Should the proposed legislation mentioned earlier come into being (and Sullivan also mentions a similar scheme planned in India), all citizens of those countries will be part of massive and comprehensive databases, holding extensive details about every individual – from birth to death – with the ever present associated risk of identity fraud. “Identity” will have transformed from a relatively innocuous term to one having a much wider context.
Works Cited:
Fearon, James, D. “What Is Identity (As We Now Use The Word)?” (November 1999). Department of Political Science, Stanford University. Web. 20 October 2012.
Sullivan, Clare. “Digital Identity”. (2011). University of Adelaide Press. ISBN 978-0-9807230-0-7 (electronic), ISBN 978-0-9807230-1-4 (paperback). Web. 20 October 2012.
