Ethnic and Racial Identity

Social identity theory suggests that group identity development is a cognitive process that uses social categories to define self and establish a relationship with a reference group. These categories may be based on nationality, skin color, common history of oppression, ancestry, and so forth. Social identities are based on the emotional significance and importance of group memberships for self-definition and their relevance to worldview. Racial/ethnic group identity is only one of several possible social identities.

Historically, researchers have operated using either a narrow or a broad definition of ethnicity. The narrow definition focuses on national origin and/or unique cultural patterns. The broad definition has focused on cultural notions such as language, traditions, history, and other issues and attributes unique to a particular group, as well as physical characteristics. Using the broad notion of ethnicity, race and ethnicity are terms that may be and have been used interchangeably. Some researchers have argued that ethnicity is a value-neutral concept, whereas race inherently carries negative connotations. This argument and our increasing ability to call the notion of human races into question have resulted in an increasing preference for the use of the term ethnicity.

Racial/ethnic group identification specifically refers to a psychological attachment to one of several social categories available to individuals, when the category selected is based on “race” or skin color, common history, language, nationality, culture, ancestry, and so on. The importance of racial/ethnic group identity is rooted in its presumed influence on the ways that individuals conduct their lives and interact with others. Members are believed to share an implicit understanding of what it means to be a member of a designated racial group. Not all possible members of the group identify, nor do all members identify equally. Members may differ in their willingness to identify with specific group issues or aspects, exposing the complexity of racial/ethnic identification. Recent theorizing and empirical work have suggested the dynamic, fluid nature of racial/ethnic identity.

Numerous racial/ethnic identity models have been introduced, and various aspects of identity–including feelings of belonging and commitment, shared values and attitudes, and cultural variables such as language, behavior, and history–have been studied. Most models of racial/ethnic identity focus on racial minorities; however, the Janet Helms model of White racial identity is an exception. Factors that facilitate and inhibit the development of racially or ethnically based identities have also been addressed in this literature. It is clear that these identities are not merely reactions to racial oppression; the culture, history, and community of most ethnic/racial groups also contribute to the development and salience of an ethnic/racial identity.