Final answer:
Social identities under imperialism were influenced by European colonial powers imposing new social orders and drawing arbitrary borders, resulting in lasting postcolonial challenges and the emergence of social movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social identities in places under imperial control were shaped by the intersection of indigenous cultures and the ideologies of European colonialism. The introduction of stratification and centralized rule by colonial powers led to changes in traditional forms of political organization and social order. As a result, postcolonial states inherited structural and social challenges stemming from the disruptive processes of imperialism.
Imperial powers drew arbitrary borders, often without regard for existing ethnic or cultural divisions, and practiced policies of favoritism that deepened local divisions, like in Rwanda where the minority Tutsi were favored over the majority Hutus. These actions have had long-lasting effects, such as heightened ethnic conflicts and economic disparities due to drawn borders that disregarded communal ties. Social movements emerged as a way for people to express dissatisfaction or strive for social and political transformations, challenging the legacies of imperialism.