assertion of identity

USAGE SUMMARY

'assertion of identity' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a statement that someone makes about who they are or what they believe in. For example, "In her declaration of independence, she made a bold assertion of identity, declaring that she would no longer conform to oppressive societal norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This assertion of identity is ridiculous and also, for that very reason, affecting.

The New York Times

The contemporary novel's increasing girth can instead be put down to a confident assertion of identity.

The Guardian - Books

But there is a significance to this comically grandiose assertion of identity that the casual visitor might miss.

The New York Times - Arts

It exists instead as a cultural affirmation, as an assertion of identity: we are the party that builds walls.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many here welcome the Muslim revival as a healthy assertion of identity in a multiethnic country where Muslims make up close to half the population.

The New York Times

Elections today are rather an assertion of identity for India's many regions and castes, each of them scrambling for a piece of the national political pie.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In typical academic argot, Zizek explains: "By rejecting the assertion of identities associated with cultural studies, Lacanian Ink outlines a new philosophical universalism".

The Guardian - Arts

For many of us who grew up with rock, our personal musical tastes weren't casual consumer choices but assertions of identity.

The New York Times

Merricks argues that this problem is more acute for van Inwagen than for Geach, as the former declines to adopt Geach's claim that all assertions of identity, in all domains of discourse, and in everyday life, are sortal-relative (Merricks 2006, 302 4).

SEP

In this context, the importance of smoking in establishing and maintaining group membership and Aboriginal identity is different, and may include stronger assertion of group identity.

BMC Women's Health

Stalnaker (1981 19877) argues that the metasemantic 2D framework he developed to explain what is communicated by an assertion of an identity sentence can also explain the content of the belief states attributed using an identity sentence to specify its content.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assertion of identity" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and forceful declaration of one's selfhood, group affiliation, or cultural belonging. It's particularly apt in contexts where identity is challenged, contested, or actively negotiated.

Common error

Avoid using "assertion of identity" in situations where a simple statement of fact or self-description suffices. The phrase carries a connotation of deliberate action and potential resistance, making it unsuitable for purely descriptive or neutral scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assertion of identity" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes the act of stating or affirming one's sense of self or belonging. This phrase appears in contexts where individuals or groups actively express who they are, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assertion of identity" serves as a noun phrase denoting the act of affirming one's self or group affiliation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it carries a neutral tone and emphasizes a deliberate declaration. While its frequency is uncommon, understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts is vital. When aiming to convey a strong, active declaration of selfhood, "assertion of identity" stands as a precise and impactful choice, yet it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple or neutral contexts. Related phrases such as "expression of self-definition" offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of self-definition

Emphasizes the act of defining oneself through outward communication.

affirmation of individuality

Focuses on the positive declaration of one's distinct personal qualities.

proclamation of selfhood

Emphasizes the declaration of one's individual existence and unique characteristics.

declaration of belonging

Highlights the act of stating one's membership in a group or community.

articulation of group affiliation

Focuses on the clear and distinct expression of one's connection to a particular group.

manifestation of self-expression

Suggests a broader, more visible display of one's identity.

avowal of personhood

Emphasizes a solemn and formal acknowledgment of one's existence as an individual.

protestation of identification

Implies a strong and possibly contentious declaration of one's identity, often against opposition.

demonstration of cultural heritage

Highlights the public display of one's cultural background and traditions.

vindication of self-representation

Focuses on defending one's right to portray oneself authentically.

FAQs

What does "assertion of identity" mean in the context of cultural studies?

In cultural studies, "assertion of identity" often refers to the ways individuals or groups express and affirm their cultural, ethnic, or social identities, especially when facing marginalization or discrimination.

How can I use "assertion of identity" in a sentence?

You might say, "The artist's work was a powerful "expression of self-definition", an "assertion of identity" against societal expectations".

What are some synonyms for "assertion of identity"?

Synonyms include "proclamation of selfhood", "affirmation of individuality", or "declaration of belonging", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "assertion of identity" the same as "claim of identity"?

While similar, "assertion of identity" suggests a more proactive and forceful declaration, whereas "claim of identity" might imply a more passive or contested right to a particular identity.