I mean we conventionally talk of different aspects of ourselves in seeking to define ourselves, but those are generally accidental or mutable. I wouldn't place any of it as some sort of "core of my being". If I want to cut away all that is frivolous and talk about me, then I can say this: I am. That defines me, being a unique existing entity. Unique in that I am not you and you are not me.

I think the soul is a very useful concept, as is the sort of material/immaterial dualism that tend to come with it, when it comes to describing and understanding the human experience, which is ultimately a subjective experience above all. Wouldn't dream to claim anyone should believe in this literally though.

My dude communities in France manage to force women to wear hijabs. Literally everywhere else they can only be more forced to.