5.2 Stages of racial and ethnic identity development
4 min read•august 7, 2024
Racial and development is a complex journey that shapes how we see ourselves and interact with society. Models like Cross's Nigrescence and Phinney's Ethnic Identity Development help us understand this process across different groups.
These models outline stages from unawareness to exploration and integration of one's racial or ethnic identity. They highlight how personal experiences and social contexts influence our self-perception and relationships with others.
Racial Identity Development Models
Cross's Model of Nigrescence
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Top images from around the web for Cross's Model of Nigrescence
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Frontiers | “When I Think of Black Girls, I Think of Opportunities”: Black Girls' Identity ... View original
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- Developed by in the 1970s to describe the process of Black identity development
- Consists of five stages: , , , , and Internalization-Commitment
- Emphasizes the importance of individuals' experiences and interactions with society in shaping their racial identity
- Recognizes that racial identity development is a continuous process that can be influenced by various factors (social, cultural, and historical contexts)
Phinney's Model of Ethnic Identity Development
- Developed by to describe the process of ethnic identity development across various ethnic groups
- Consists of three stages: , , and
- Focuses on the exploration and commitment to one's ethnic identity
- Emphasizes the importance of individuals' experiences, social interactions, and cultural contexts in shaping their ethnic identity
- Recognizes that ethnic identity development is a dynamic process that can change over time
Helms' White Racial Identity Development Model
- Developed by to describe the process of White racial identity development
- Consists of six stages: , , , , Immersion-Emersion, and
- Focuses on the challenges and opportunities for growth that White individuals face as they become aware of their racial identity and privilege
- Emphasizes the importance of individuals' experiences, interactions, and exposure to diversity in shaping their White racial identity
- Recognizes that White racial identity development is a continuous process that requires ongoing self-reflection and commitment to anti-racism
Sue and Sue's Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model
- Developed by and to describe the process of racial and cultural identity development across various racial and ethnic groups
- Consists of five stages: , , , , and
- Focuses on the challenges and opportunities for growth that individuals face as they navigate their racial and cultural identities in a diverse society
- Emphasizes the importance of individuals' experiences, social interactions, and cultural contexts in shaping their racial and cultural identities
- Recognizes that racial and cultural identity development is a dynamic process that can be influenced by various factors (social, cultural, and historical contexts)
Stages of Racial Identity Development
Pre-encounter Stage
- Characterized by a lack of awareness or denial of one's racial identity and the significance of race in society
- Individuals may internalize negative stereotypes and attitudes about their racial group
- May seek to assimilate into the dominant culture and distance themselves from their racial group
- Examples: A Black individual who believes that success is solely based on individual merit and hard work, dismissing the impact of systemic racism; an Asian American who seeks to conform to White cultural norms and downplays their Asian heritage
Encounter Stage
- Triggered by an event or series of events that challenge an individual's previously held beliefs about race and their racial identity
- Individuals begin to question their understanding of race and their place in society
- May experience feelings of confusion, anger, and dissonance as they grapple with new insights and perspectives
- Examples: A Latinx individual who experiences discrimination based on their accent and begins to question the "melting pot" narrative; a White individual who witnesses police brutality against a person of color and starts to recognize the reality of systemic racism
Immersion-Emersion Stage
- Characterized by a deep exploration and embrace of one's racial identity
- Individuals may immerse themselves in their racial group's culture, history, and traditions
- May experience a sense of pride and empowerment in their racial identity
- May also experience feelings of anger and resentment towards the dominant culture and its role in perpetuating racism
- Examples: A Native American individual who begins to learn their tribe's language and participate in cultural ceremonies; a Black individual who joins a Black student union and engages in activism to address racial injustice on campus
Internalization Stage
- Characterized by a more secure and integrated sense of racial identity
- Individuals develop a more nuanced understanding of their racial identity and its intersection with other aspects of their identity (gender, class, sexuality, etc.)
- May engage in efforts to challenge racism and promote social justice in their communities
- Examples: A multiracial individual who embraces the complexity of their racial identity and advocates for more inclusive and accurate representations of multiracial experiences; an Asian American who mentors younger Asian American students and works to dismantle the "model minority" myth
Integrative Awareness
- Characterized by a holistic understanding of one's racial identity and its relationship to other forms of oppression and privilege
- Individuals recognize the interconnectedness of various social justice issues and the need for solidarity and coalition-building across different communities
- May engage in ongoing self-reflection and commitment to anti-racism and social justice
- Examples: A White individual who actively works to dismantle White privilege and uses their platform to amplify the voices of people of color; a Latinx individual who advocates for immigration reform and recognizes the intersections between racism, xenophobia, and classism in shaping immigration policies
Key Terms to Review (36)
Acculturation: Acculturation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the beliefs, values, and behaviors of another culture while still retaining some aspects of their original culture. This concept is critical in understanding how race, ethnicity, and culture interact as individuals navigate between their heritage and the dominant culture they encounter.
Assimilation: Assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the practices and beliefs of another, often losing their original cultural identity in the process. This concept connects to the changing demographics brought about by immigration, where newcomers may gradually blend into the dominant culture, impacting social dynamics and community structures.
Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the capacity of an individual or group to make independent choices and decisions, reflecting a sense of self-governance and freedom from external control. In the context of racial and ethnic identity development, autonomy plays a crucial role in how individuals understand their cultural identity and navigate societal influences, enabling them to establish their own beliefs and values.
Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that refers to the mental discomfort or tension experienced when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas simultaneously. This discomfort often leads individuals to alter their beliefs or behaviors in order to reduce the inconsistency and restore harmony within their mindset. In the context of racial and ethnic identity development, cognitive dissonance plays a significant role as individuals navigate conflicting social identities and societal expectations.
Conformity: Conformity is the act of aligning one's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors to match those of a group or social norm. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in racial and ethnic identity development as individuals navigate their cultural environment, often adapting to fit in or be accepted within a particular community. The process of conformity can influence personal identity and self-perception, as individuals balance their own cultural background with the expectations of the surrounding society.
Contact: Contact refers to the initial encounters and interactions between different racial and ethnic groups, which often set the stage for future relationships and identity formation. This term highlights the importance of these early experiences in shaping individuals' perceptions of their own identities as well as those of others, often leading to the development of stereotypes, prejudice, or an appreciation of diversity.
Cross's Model of Nigrescence: Cross's Model of Nigrescence is a psychological framework that describes the process of Black identity development, consisting of several stages that individuals may go through as they form and affirm their racial identity. This model emphasizes the transition from an initial stage of pre-encounter, where individuals may have internalized negative stereotypes about Blackness, to a post-encounter stage, where they embrace and celebrate their racial identity. Understanding this model helps in recognizing how cultural and societal factors influence individual perceptions of race and identity.
David Sue: David Sue is a prominent psychologist known for his work on racial and ethnic identity development, particularly focusing on the stages individuals go through as they form their racial and ethnic identities. His research highlights how these identities are shaped by social, cultural, and environmental factors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the psychological processes involved in identity formation among diverse populations.
Derald Wing Sue: Derald Wing Sue is a prominent psychologist known for his work in multicultural psychology and racial identity development. His research focuses on the experiences of marginalized groups and the processes involved in understanding one's own racial and ethnic identity, which is crucial for promoting social justice and equity in diverse societies.
Disintegration: Disintegration refers to the process through which a cohesive entity, such as a group or community, breaks apart into smaller, disconnected components. This term is crucial in understanding how racial and ethnic identities can experience fragmentation, often leading to a loss of shared cultural practices or collective identity among individuals within those groups.
Dissonance: Dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort or tension that arises when a person holds conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes, particularly regarding their racial or ethnic identity. This term is especially relevant in understanding how individuals navigate their personal experiences and social realities, often leading to a reassessment of their identity as they confront contradictions in their beliefs or societal expectations.
Encounter: In the context of racial and ethnic identity development, an encounter refers to a significant experience or event that prompts individuals to reflect on their own identity and the identities of others. These encounters can lead to a deeper understanding of racial and ethnic dynamics, often serving as catalysts for personal growth and transformation in one's identity journey.
Ethnic Identity: Ethnic identity refers to an individual's sense of belonging to a particular ethnic group, which is shaped by shared cultural traits, historical experiences, and social dynamics. This identity is influenced by various factors including personal experiences, family background, and societal perceptions, often playing a crucial role in how individuals navigate their social environments and form connections with others.
Ethnic identity achievement: Ethnic identity achievement refers to the process through which individuals come to understand, accept, and integrate their ethnic background into their overall sense of self. This involves not only recognizing one's heritage but also developing a positive attitude towards it, often after navigating stages of confusion or conflict regarding one’s ethnic group. This concept is important in understanding how individuals reconcile their cultural backgrounds with societal expectations and personal experiences.
Ethnic identity search/moratorium: Ethnic identity search/moratorium refers to a period in which individuals actively explore and reflect on their ethnic background and cultural heritage. During this time, people may seek to understand their identity by questioning societal norms, engaging with different cultural practices, and connecting with their ethnic communities, often leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.
Ethnic Resilience: Ethnic resilience refers to the ability of ethnic groups to adapt, maintain, and even strengthen their cultural identity in the face of adversity, discrimination, and systemic challenges. This concept highlights how communities draw on their cultural resources, social networks, and collective experiences to endure and thrive despite external pressures. Ethnic resilience is not only about survival; it also encompasses the active efforts to preserve traditions, languages, and values that define a group's identity over time.
Helms' White Racial Identity Development Model: Helms' White Racial Identity Development Model is a framework that outlines the stages white individuals go through in understanding their racial identity and the impact of racism. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging privilege and the responsibility to combat systemic racism, moving from an unexamined racial identity to an active engagement in social justice. This model provides insight into how racial identity evolves over time, reflecting personal growth and societal awareness.
Immersion-emersion: Immersion-emersion refers to the stages of identity development that individuals experience as they navigate their racial and ethnic identities. Immersion involves deep engagement with one’s cultural heritage and community, often accompanied by a rejection of dominant cultural values. Emersion follows, where individuals start to develop a more integrated understanding of their identity, balancing pride in their cultural background with a broader acceptance of diversity and other cultures.
Integrative Awareness: Integrative awareness refers to the ability to understand and appreciate the complexities of one’s own and others' racial and ethnic identities, acknowledging the interplay of individual experiences with broader societal dynamics. This awareness involves recognizing how different factors, such as culture, history, and social context, influence identity and relationships, leading to a more nuanced perspective on diversity.
Internalization: Internalization refers to the process by which individuals absorb and adopt the norms, values, and beliefs of their society or culture, often leading to the integration of these elements into their own identity. This can significantly influence how individuals perceive themselves and others in relation to their racial and ethnic identities, shaping their understanding of social dynamics and their personal experiences.
Internalized racism: Internalized racism refers to the internalization of negative stereotypes, beliefs, and attitudes about one’s own racial or ethnic group. This can lead individuals to adopt harmful views about their identity, self-worth, and the worth of others from their group, often resulting in self-hatred or a diminished sense of community. It plays a significant role in shaping the stages of racial and ethnic identity development as individuals navigate societal perceptions and their own self-image.
Introspection: Introspection is the examination of one's own thoughts, feelings, and emotions, often leading to deeper self-awareness and understanding. It plays a crucial role in the process of racial and ethnic identity development, as individuals reflect on their cultural backgrounds and experiences. This inward look helps people navigate their identities and understand how these aspects shape their perceptions and interactions with others.
Janet E. Helms: Janet E. Helms is a prominent psychologist known for her contributions to the understanding of racial and ethnic identity development, particularly through her model which outlines the stages individuals experience as they navigate their racial and ethnic identities. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding these identities in the context of broader social structures and how they influence personal and collective experiences.
Jean S. Phinney: Jean S. Phinney is a prominent psychologist known for her work on ethnic identity development, particularly through her framework of racial and ethnic identity development stages. Her research highlights how individuals navigate their cultural backgrounds and identity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities of belonging and self-concept among diverse racial and ethnic groups.
Microaggressions: Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, comments or behaviors that convey negative or derogatory messages to individuals from marginalized groups. They can manifest in everyday interactions and contribute to systemic bias, influencing perceptions and experiences of racial and ethnic identity.
Phinney's Model of Ethnic Identity Development: Phinney's Model of Ethnic Identity Development outlines the process through which individuals form and develop their ethnic identity, typically progressing through three stages: unexamined ethnic identity, ethnic identity search, and achieved ethnic identity. This model emphasizes the importance of self-exploration and the impact of social experiences on an individual's understanding and acceptance of their ethnic background.
Pre-encounter: Pre-encounter refers to the initial stage in the process of racial and ethnic identity development, where individuals have little to no awareness or understanding of their own racial or ethnic identity. During this phase, individuals may hold assimilationist views and often adopt the dominant culture's values, leading to a lack of connection with their own racial or ethnic group.
Pseudo-independence: Pseudo-independence is a stage in racial and ethnic identity development where individuals start to embrace their racial or ethnic identity but do so in a way that is often superficial or conditional. During this phase, people may express pride in their heritage while still aligning closely with the dominant culture, leading to a dichotomy between their ethnic identity and societal expectations. This stage is characterized by an attempt to balance personal identity with external influences, resulting in a conflicted sense of belonging.
Racial awareness: Racial awareness refers to the understanding and recognition of the role that race and ethnicity play in shaping individual identities, societal dynamics, and power structures. It encompasses the ability to acknowledge one's own racial identity, as well as to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of others from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Racial pride: Racial pride refers to a positive and affirming attitude towards one's racial or ethnic identity, often emphasizing the unique cultural heritage, history, and contributions of that group. This term connects to the process of individuals developing a strong sense of identity and belonging, as well as the historical movements that sought to empower marginalized communities and advocate for their rights in society.
Reintegration: Reintegration refers to the process of re-establishing individuals or groups back into society after a period of separation or marginalization. This concept is especially relevant in understanding how individuals navigate their racial and ethnic identities after experiences of alienation, whether due to societal discrimination or personal circumstances.
Resistance and Immersion: Resistance and immersion refer to the complex ways individuals engage with their racial and ethnic identities, balancing the desire to resist dominant cultural norms while immersing themselves in their own cultural heritage. This dynamic interplay shapes how people navigate their identities, influencing their personal experiences and interactions within various social contexts.
Social Identity Theory: Social Identity Theory is a psychological framework that explains how individuals define themselves in relation to groups, which can influence their behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions of others. This theory highlights the importance of group membership in shaping self-concept and identity, as people derive a sense of belonging and self-esteem from their affiliations with social groups.
Sue and Sue's Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model: Sue and Sue's Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model outlines the stages individuals go through as they develop their racial and cultural identities. This model emphasizes the process of self-awareness, understanding, and acceptance of one’s own racial and cultural background, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of race and ethnicity in society.
Unexamined ethnic identity: Unexamined ethnic identity refers to the stage in which individuals have a superficial or passive understanding of their ethnic background, often shaped by societal stereotypes and cultural narratives without critical reflection. This lack of examination can lead to a limited personal connection to one’s heritage and an inability to recognize the complexities and nuances of one's identity.
William E. Cross Jr.: William E. Cross Jr. is a prominent psychologist known for his influential work on racial and ethnic identity development, particularly his model outlining the stages individuals go through in forming their racial identity. His theory emphasizes how experiences and social contexts shape one's understanding of their racial or ethnic identity, making it a critical framework for studying racial dynamics and personal identity in diverse communities.