What is Ethnic Identity?

By:
Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart


What is Ethnic Identity?


By:
Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart


What is Ethnic Identity?


By:
Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart


r content. A sidebar is a ssupplement to the main
What is Ethnic Identity? Psychologist Jean Phinney
defines Ethnic Identity as being the multitude of
characteristics like nationality, ancestry, religion,
language, culture, and history to which personal and
social meanings of group identity are usually
attached. However, Phinney suggest that there are
(3) levels in describing Ethnic Identity and they are
as follows;

1. The first stage, Unexamined Ethnic
Identity, is characterized by a lack of
exploration. (In this stage, individuals may
experience diffusion or foreclosure, a lack
of interest in ethnicity or a general
acceptance of others opinions).

2. The second stage of the model, (Ethnic
Identity Search/ Moratorium, combines the
notions of encounter and exploration. The
individual starts to develop their ethnic
identity during this stage which is often
initiated by a harsh or indirect event).

3. The third stage of the model is (Ethnic
Identity Achievement. Individuals at this
stage have a clear sense of their ethnic
identity). (Phinney, 1990).

Phinneys Model of Ethnic Identity
Development:

Such as Unexamined Ethnic identity which is the
first phase in understanding the various differences
pertaining to Cultural distinctiveness because this is
the primary stage where children are influenced by
their parents along with the news media; while the
second stage of Ethnic Identity focuses on the
comparison, contrast and analysis on what makes
cultures diverse from one another whilst the final
stage is when an individual understands his/her role
and acceptance of their cultural identity as this will
play an imperative role concerning their general life
choices that will essentially encourage self-
confidence and self-assurance. (Phinney, 1990).



For instance, the Pre-Encounter is the stage
where African Americans seeks the acceptance,
beliefs and values of White America, however,
the Encounter phase is completely the opposite
and this stage forces African Americans to
acknowledge the impact of racism in ones life,
while the Immersion Phase aids the individual
into actively seeking out opportunities that
explores the diverse aspects of their own history
and culture with the support of peers from their
own racial background.




Conversely, the final stage is
Internalization/Commitment Phase helps
members of black ethnicity to build coalitions
with members of other oppressed groups those of
who are anchored in a positive sense of racial
identity that will transcend race proactively.
(Cross, 1971, 1978, 1991).



Conclusion:
Overall, one physicals appearance is the critical
dynamic in defining Ethnic/Racial Identity and
race all over the world. Perhaps, various forms and
theories of cultural and ethnic identity
development have swiftly multiplied in the last
two decades as the melting pot framework has
given way to acknowledgment of a racially and
ethnically diverse U.S. population. (Cross, 1995).

Yet, other ethnic groups including the African
American race along with others cultural groups
must remain mindful of their distinct language and
history in order to remain connected to their
individual cultural dynamics that will guarantee
the structure of ones racial and ethical identity
overtime.

References

Cross, W. E., Jr. The Psychology of Nigrescence:
Revising the Cross Model. In J. G.
Ponterott, J. M. Casas, L. A. Suzuki, and C. M.
Alexander (eds.), Handbook of Multicultural
Counseling. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage, 1995.

Phinney, J. (1989). Stages of ethnic identity in minority
group adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 9, 34-
49.

Phinney, J. (1990). Ethnic Identity In Adolescents and
Adults: Review Of Research. Psychological Bulletin,
108, 499-514.

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