What does "enacting identities" involve?

Enacting identities involves performing behaviors that are associated with specific roles or identities. This means that individuals express their identities through actions, language, and various forms of communication that are socially recognized as relevant to those identities.

For instance, when someone identifies as a teacher, they may enact that identity by using educational jargon, demonstrating authority in controlling classroom activities, and interacting with students in ways that reflect pedagogical norms. This performance can vary greatly across different contexts and communities, as individuals tailor their behaviors to fit the identity they are enacting.

In contrast, creating new social roles focuses on the development of roles that may not currently exist or are emerging in society, while expressing oneself freely emphasizes the idea of personal expression without societal constraints. Avoiding social stereotypes involves steering clear of generalizations about groups, which may not accurately represent individuals. Enacting identities captures the active dimension of how identities are lived out and represented in communicative settings.