Racial Identity

Definition of Racial Identity

A number of theorists and researchers have attempted to define racial identity. Janet E. Helms described the construct as a sense of collective identity that is based on a perceived common heritage with a racial group. Helms integrated perceptions of self and others in her definition of racial identity. Robert T. Carter stated that racial identity development is a lifelong process that involves how a person interprets messages about racial groups. Additionally, racial identity has been described as the significance and meaning of race in one's life.

Independent researchers have identified various aspects of racial identity, but no one has combined them to form one single definition of the term incorporating a developmental perspective, perspectives of both dominant and minority groups, and qualitative meaning of group membership. In combination, the racial identity literature has shown that racial identity is a multifaceted construct that refers to (a) the qualitative meaning one ascribes to one's own racial group, (b) meaning attributed to other racial groups, (c) sense of group identification with one's own racial group, salience of race in defining one's self-concept, and perspectives regarding race over time.

Ethnic Identity versus Racial Identity

To understand the distinctions between racial identity and ethnic identity, it is important to distinguish the concepts of race and ethnicity. In the United States, race is a social construct that refers to factors such as skin color and physical features, while ethnicity refers to one's national or religious origin. Racial identity is comprehensively defined as the qualitative meaning and salience one ascribes to one's own and other racial groups, whereas ethnic identity is a dynamic construct that refers to one's sense of self as a member of an ethnic group. At their core, both constructs reflect an individual's sense of self as a member of a group; however, racial identity integrates the impact of race and related factors, while ethnic identity is focused on ethnic and cultural factors. Some authors suggest that ethnic identity development is an individual's movement toward a more conscious identification with his or her own cultural values, behaviors, beliefs, and traditions, whereas others note that theories of racial identity tap into racial psychological development rather than ethnic development.

History of Racial Identity Models