SELF-IDENTITY, PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN GHANA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION OF FEMALE MEDICAL OFFICERS

Andrews Kwakwa Peprah, George Atibugri Abugbil, Isaac Kwesi Sena Akpa

Abstract


Self-identity, professional identity, and cultural identity are phenomena that require further study, as they can covertly or overtly influence the construction of an individual's or professional's identity. Using the qualitative exploratory study design, thematic data analysis, and the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI), this study sought to identify the perception of self-identity among female medical officers, ascertain how female medical officers navigate through their professional identity construction and explore the effects of the process of identity construction of female medical officers in the Ghanaian context. With a semi-structured interview session for thirty (30) female medical officers who served as respondents, it was found that self-esteem, identity on cultural traits, and religious identity summed up the perception of self-identity of female medical officers. Conscious correction effort, confidence, and teamwork serve as channels through which female medical officers construct their identity. Again, male dominance, cultural stereotypes, and professional misidentification are common challenges that female medical officers encounter in the process of constructing their self-identity, and therefore call for a better work atmosphere and recognition of their professional duties. The study, therefore, calls for women physicians, leaders of the medical profession, social clubs, and the government to promote and set laws that protect the identity of both genders in their professional duties.

 

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self-identity, cultural identity, professional identity

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v11i5.2118

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