Gençlerde Kimlik Algısı ve Dinî Hayat: Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi
Perception of Identity and Religious Life in Youth: The Case of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Theology

Summary/Abstract: Identity is the answer to the questions an individual asks themself about who they are. The basic characteristic of identity consturction is that this answer has a structure that includes continuity, integrity, and consistency. Acquiring identity is one of the essential psychological needs. As the person who introduced this term to psychology, Erik Ericson has formed the basis for many identity theories. The search for identity, which makes itself felt seriously during adolescence, forms the basis for a balanced and sustainable sense of identity in adulthood. The sense of identity allows the individual to define themselves in personal reality. By creating a subjective and natural perception of identity, the individual has a solid knowledge of the purpose of life. In addition to individual identity, the individual has an orientation toward internalizing the national, political, religious, and economic value judgments of the society in which they live. This orientation leads to acquired identities. The conditions formed by acquired identities create a set of molds and categories. Identity is one of the important subjects studied in psychology, sociology, and social psychology. Although there are many studies on identity construction for individuals and groups on social scientific grounds, there are few studies on the role of religion in identity perception. This study, aim to address the relationship between identity perception and religious life in young people. In this context, the construction of identity as a personal reality developed young people developed for themselves, the effects of religious identity on young people’s lives and the extend to which the perception of identity is influenced by religion are examined in a approach. In this study, which was carried out by following the qualitative research method, data were collected from 10 female and 10 male students studying at the undergraduate level at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Islamic Sciences by interview technique. Since 2 participants stated that they wanted to withdraw from the interview during the interview, the responses given by 18 participants were evaluated. The answers given by the participants were analyzed by content analysis and the findings were interpreted scientifically. When the participant’s individual and situational identity perceptions are analyzed, the first element that stands out is that young people had no awareness of themselves before. Only four participants define themselves through national and spiritual identity, while one defines himself/herself through a religious group. Despite all these negativities, religion is seen only as a means of relaxation and safety.

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