Nowadays, some people state that person’s identity is shaped by ascribed traits like ethnicity. However, others believe that achieved traits like personal achievements play a bigger role. Ascribed traits play a fundamental role in determination individual’s identity. However, I tend to believe that the identity of an person is shaped during their live by achieved traits.
On the one hand, ascribed traits form a foundation of identity in people’s mind. Ethnicity, family background and cultural traditions often create how person perceive themselves and others. For example, cultural traditions can strongly influence one’s worldview, particularly in societies were traditions are deeply ingrained.
On the other hand, achieved traits more affect on person’s identity, because they are results of personal effort and choices. Accomplishment in education, career and personal development allows individuals to define their own path in live often transcending limitations of ascribed traits. For example, someone bor in negative background can transform their identity through hard work during the live, gaining success and recognition for their achievements, not for their birth characteristics. Therefore, I strongly believe that achieved traits shape person’s identity.
In conclusion, although ascribed traits such as ethnicity and cultural traditions lay the foundation for a person’s identity, I firmly believe that achieved traits, being the result of personal effort and choices, play a more significant role in shaping who a person becomes throughout their life.