On the concept of a "core self"

It really depends on whether the “core self” is an ideology, or whether it really is a core self. I think if it’s an ideology, it will have to be rigid. If not, it can be relatively organic and consistent, but will also change over time. Some people are highly suspicious of any change and view it as a sign that one lacks credibility or decisiveness in action. This view is held especially among those of the right. Can you imagine if a child is brought up to fit an ideology concerning identity and is never allowed to change? Either they are lucky and the identity imposed on them matches their inner “core self”, or else the imposition of a rigid demand prevents the actual core self from being expressed.