Cornell University Family Life Development Center, Cornell University Cooperative Extension of New York City, New York State Center for School Safety, University of Rochester Medical Center Div. of Adolescent Health Alana Butler May 2010 Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development
Define ethnic and racial identity. Identify the stages/statuses in racial and ethnic identity development. Recognize the importance of racial and ethnic identity development for youth. Learning Objectives Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Ethnic group members share national ancestry and also one of the following: culture religion race language place of origin What is Ethnicity? Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Socially defined category for individuals who have certain common physical traits. Ideas about defining race have changed over time. Members of the same racial group can have different ethnicities. What is Race ? Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Sense of belonging to a particular race or ethnicity. Feelings of identifying with one’s group, sharing commitment and common values. What is Racial and Ethnic Identity? Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Phinney’s three stages in ethnic identity development occur anytime between the ages of 12 and 18. Stages in Ethnic Identity Development Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Stages in Ethnic Identity Development Unexamined MoratoriumAchieved
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Dr. William Cross: status model. Now used to explore racial identity development for all racial groups. Racial Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Not yet consciously aware of race and its effects. Status One: Pre-Encounter Scenario Until age 12, Kevin grew up in a diverse neighborhood and never thought of himself as African-American. Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
An encounter causes one to evaluate the role of racial identification in one’s life. Status Two: Encounter Upon entering high school at age 14, Kevin is forced to think about his race for the first time because of an encounter with racism. Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
Exploration of one’s own race. Status Three: Immersion From ages 14 to 16, Kevin begins to learn about African-American history and becomes friends with his African-American peers. Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
The individual now internalizes the meaning of their race and commits to particular racial identification. Status Four: Internalization and Commitment By age 16, Kevin is now committed to his African-American identity and includes this as a key part of his identity. Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
In Phinney studies, positive sense of ethnic identity scored higher than all other groups on measures of psychological adjustment. Ethnic Identity and Self-Esteem Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
In conclusion: We each have ethnic and racial identities that may not only be different but may also confer privilege. There are statuses in racial and ethnic identity development that change over time. Racial and ethnic identity is a very important aspect for our self-esteem. Our Identities Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Identity Development Alana Butler ● May 2010
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Adolescent Ethnic and Racial Identity Development Understanding Race Race: Power of an illusion Ethnic identity and youth Resources Alana Butler ● May 2010
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