Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test

Which type of identity typically does not elicit disenfranchisement or bias?

1. Personal identities

2. Social identities

3. Historical identities

4. Collective identities

The correct answer is: Personal identities

The correct answer relates to personal identities, which are often based on individual characteristics, experiences, and preferences that do not involve broader societal categories. Personal identities are shaped by one's unique life experiences and can encompass traits such as interests, hobbies, or personal achievements. These aspects typically do not invoke the same kind of societal bias or disenfranchisement that is often associated with broader identity categories, such as social identities (which pertain to group affiliations, such as race or gender), historical identities (which relate to specific historical experiences of particular groups), or collective identities (which are formed through shared characteristics or experiences among groups). In contrast, social identities can lead to stereotyping and discrimination, while historical identities often carry the weight of past injustices or conflicts that can impact how individuals are perceived. Collective identities bring together people based on shared experiences or goals but can also result in exclusion or bias against those who do not share the same identity. Therefore, personal identities stand apart as they focus on the individual rather than the collective experiences that often play a role in societal bias and disenfranchisement.