Ethnic identity
Roots in social psychology
The notion of ethnic identity emerged in social psychology out of social identity
theory which emphasizes a need to maintain a positive sense of self. Therefore in
respect to ethnic identity, this underscores affirmation to and salience of ethnic group
membership(s).
One of the earliest statements of social identity was made by Kurt Lewin, who
emphasized that individuals need a firm sense of group identification in order to
maintain a sense of well-being.
In light of this, affirmation of ethnicity has been proposed to be more salient among
groups who have faced greater discrimination, in order to maintain self-esteem.
There has also been research on family influences, such as cultural values of the
family, including aspects of parenting which contribute to the socialization of
adolescents.
Roots in developmental psychology
Identity becomes especially salient during adolescence as recognized by Erik
Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development.
James Marcia elaborated on Erikson’s model and highlighted two processes which
can be applied to ethnic identity development: an exploration of identity and a
commitment.
Phinney's Three Stage Progression
Jean Phinney’s model of ethnic identity development is a multidimensional model,
with theoretical underpinnings of both Erikson and Marcia.
Phinney focuses on the adolescent, acknowledging significant changes during this
time period, including greater abilities in cognition to contemplate ethnic identity, as
well as a broader exposure outside of their own community, a greater focus on one's
social life, and an increased concern for physical appearance.
1. Unexamined Ethnic Identity - Prior to adolescence, children either give ethnicity
little thought or are assumed to have derived their ethnic identity from others,
rather than engaging in personal examination.
Knowledge of one's ethnicity is ‘absorbed’, which reflects the process of
socialization which, in the context of ethnic identity development refers to the
acquisition of behaviors, perceptions, values, and attitudes of an ethnic group(s).
Feelings about one’s ethnic group(s) can be influenced by family, peers,
community, and larger society.
Children may internalize both positive and negative messages and therefore hold
conflicting feelings about ethnicity. Socialization highlights how early experiences
for children are considered crucial in regards to their ethnic identity development.
2. Ethnic Identity Search - During the onset of adolescence, there is a questioning
of accepted views of ethnicity and a greater understanding of ethnicity in a more
abstract sense. Typically this stage is characterized as being initiated by a
significant experience that creates heightened awareness of ethnicity, such as
discrimination.
Engagement in some form of exploration includes an interest in learning more
about one's culture and actively involving oneself in activities such as talking with
others about ethnicity, reading books on the subject, and thinking about both the
current and future effects of one's ethnicity.
3. Ethnic Identity Achievement - This stage is characterized by clarity about one’s
ethnic identity. The achievement phase includes a secure, confident, and stable
sense of self. Achievement also is characterized as a realistic assessment of
one's in-group(s) in a larger social context. In essence, the individual has
internalized their ethnicity.
Identity achievement is also related to social identity theory in that this
acceptance replaces one's negative ethnic self-image. Although achievement
represents the highest level of ethnic identity development, it should be noted
that Phinney believes reexamination can occur depending on experiences over
time.
Implications for schools
Research reveals ethnic identity development is related to psychological well-being
and has been linked with positive self-evaluation. Numerous studies show many
positive outcomes associated with strong and stable ethnic identities, including
increased self-esteem, improved mental health, decreased self-destructive
behaviors, and greater academic achievement.
In contrast, there is evidence to suggest that ethnic identity exploration may be
related to vulnerability to negative outcomes, such as depression, due to an
individual’s sensitivity to awareness of discrimination and conflicts of positive and
negative images of ethnicity during exploration.
Studies have found that in terms of family cohesion, the closer adolescents felt to
their parents, the more they reported feeling connected to their ethnic group.
By extension, if schools are required to act ‘in loco parentis’ it would seem
reasonable to suggest that schools should consider how they are supporting
students to develop positive feelings of ethnic identity.
Stephen Bray, Kick Start Enterprise
Other writings on the development of personal identity can be found at the following
links:
(a) Processes of identity development:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/identity-development/
(b) The need for a sense of identity – ref Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/identity.htm
(c) A cultural identity workshop (University of Kent):
https://www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/documents/external/talkingcultures/W2/Talking%20Cultures%20Week%202%20Unit%201%20%20Cultural%20Identity1%20-%20handout.pdf
(d) What is cultural identity? (from ‘NoBullying’)
http://nobullying.com/cultural-identity/
(e) Identity Charts (from ‘Facing History and Ourselves’)
https://www.facinghistory.org/for-educators/educator-resources/teachingstrategies/identity-charts
And finally…..
“Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not
lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man's life is independent. He is born
not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self.”
B. R. Ambedkar
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14.04.1891 – 06.12.1956) popularly known as
Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who
inspired the Modern Buddhist Movement and campaigned against social
discrimination against Untouchables, women and labour.
Bharti Joshi, Kick Start Enterprise