Theory Research- Identity, Zygmunt Bauman

For my project looking at the Englishness of B&B's I have started to research into the theory book 'Identity'. This book explores the theme of identity involved in the subject of of sociology. I feel that this book is very interesting because it discusses different chracteristics of human identity such as political, religious and social. I belive that reading through this book has helped me to understand idenitity and put in the context of British identity, which I am looking at in my project of capturing Englishness within B&B's. I have found a variety of quotes that I feel vividly link to the idea of identity and strongly support my project theme, that can help me with the developmental process.

"The thought of 'having an identity' will not occur to people as long as 'belonging' remains their fate, a condition with no alternative". pg11-12

I found this quote interesting because it explains that identity is a cultural occurance that is natural and is not an obvious quality recognised by individuals. I hope to observe a topic of identity in my photography to highlight this to my audience. I feel that its an important aspect of human identity that should be noticed more by individuals.

"The chosen and preferred identity is advanced against, mostly, the obstinate leftovers of old, abandoned and resesnted identities, chosen or imposed in the past". pg38

I believe that this is a very inspiring quote that explains that human identity will always represent the past life even if they don't want it to. I would like to show this within my photographs to highlight history of a bygone era. This is what I think the B&B is represented as now, a quaint aspect of English culture, that isn't valued as much anymore.

"Since cultural diversity, is increasingly, the fate of the modern world, and ethnic absoultism a regressive feature of late-modernity". pg98

This quote strongly explains the idea how England is loosing the sense of English culture and is becoming more of a diverse community. I think that the B&B is a big part of that changing identity that is currently an issue in England. I believe that soon the bed and breakfast won't exist and even be a part of English heritage because of the diverse community that is continuly growing and becoming part of our English culture.

Overview

Overall, from analysing this book I have learnt that identity is a difficult concept of human change that can't be easily observed. I feel that the B&B fits within this topic because they are a traditional aspect of English architecture and tourism. I think that their identity has been lost because of the increase of bigger hotel chains and the rise of Air B&B. The theme of 'identity' links into my project because of the way I want to capture subtle human traces that can clearly show this theme and leave unanswered questions to who's identity has been left behind. As I begin my photoshoots I have started to notice elements of English identity, for example reflected in the design of the rooms and the owners.

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