Cross's Model

Definition

Cross's Model, also known as the Cross Model of Black Identity Development, is a framework that outlines the stages of racial identity development among African Americans. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's racial identity as a dynamic process that evolves over time, influenced by personal experiences and societal factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cross's Model consists of several stages: Pre-Encounter, Encounter, Immersion-Emersion, Internalization, and Internalization-Commitment.
2. In the Pre-Encounter stage, individuals may hold a Eurocentric worldview and might downplay their racial identity due to societal pressures.
3. The Encounter stage often involves a significant event that challenges an individual's previous beliefs about race, prompting them to reevaluate their identity.
4. Immersion-Emersion is characterized by a strong emotional connection to one's racial group and often includes a rejection of dominant cultural values.
5. Internalization reflects a more stable sense of racial identity where individuals can navigate both their racial identity and mainstream culture without conflict.

Review Questions

• How does Cross's Model describe the transformation in an individual's understanding of their racial identity?
  • Cross's Model outlines a transformation that begins with the Pre-Encounter stage, where individuals may not fully embrace their racial identity. The model describes how significant experiences in the Encounter stage lead to a reevaluation of beliefs about race. As individuals progress through the Immersion-Emersion stage, they develop a deeper emotional connection with their racial group, culminating in Internalization where they achieve a balanced understanding of their identity.
• Discuss how societal factors influence the stages of Cross's Model in shaping an individual's racial identity.
  • Societal factors play a crucial role in shaping the stages of Cross's Model. In the Pre-Encounter stage, external societal pressures can lead individuals to adopt a Eurocentric perspective and minimize their racial identity. Events during the Encounter stage often stem from societal discrimination or cultural affirmations that push individuals to confront their race. By influencing perceptions and experiences at each stage, society significantly impacts how individuals navigate their racial identity journey.
• Evaluate the implications of Cross's Model for understanding racial identity development in multicultural societies.
  • Evaluating Cross's Model reveals its critical implications for understanding racial identity in multicultural societies. The model illustrates that racial identity development is not linear but rather influenced by interactions with diverse cultures and societal norms. As individuals move through its stages, they may confront conflicting cultural values that shape their perceptions of self and community. Recognizing these dynamics allows for better support systems that acknowledge individual experiences while promoting healthy racial identities within multicultural contexts.

Related terms

Racial Identity: Racial identity refers to an individual's sense of belonging to a particular racial group, encompassing their attitudes, beliefs, and experiences related to that identity.

Identity Development: Identity development is the process through which individuals form a sense of self, including aspects like personal values, beliefs, and social roles.

Internalized Racism: Internalized racism occurs when individuals adopt negative beliefs and attitudes about their own racial or ethnic group, often as a result of societal discrimination.