Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
May 2010
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
Learning Objectives
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.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
What is Ethnicity?
Ethnic group members share
national ancestry and also one of
the following:
culture
religion
race
language
place of origin
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
What is Race ?
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.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
What is Racial and Ethnic Identity?
Sense of belonging to
a particular race
or ethnicity.
Feelings of identifying
with one’s group,
sharing commitment
and common values.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Stages in Ethnic Identity
Development
Phinney’s three stages
in ethnic identity
development occur
anytime between the
ages of 12 and 18.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Stages in Ethnic Identity Development
Unexamined
Moratorium
Achieved
Racial Identity Development
Dr. William Cross:
status model.
Now used to explore
racial identity development
for all racial groups.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Status One: Pre-Encounter
Not yet consciously aware of race and its effects.
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
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Status Two: Encounter
An encounter causes one to evaluate the role of
racial identification in one’s life.
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
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Status Three: Immersion
Exploration of one’s own race.
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
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Status Four: Internalization and
Commitment
The individual now internalizes the
meaning of their race and commits to
particular racial identification.
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
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Ethnic Identity and Self-Esteem
In Phinney studies, positive sense of ethnic
identity scored higher than all other groups on
measures of psychological adjustment.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
Our Identities
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.
Adolescent Ethnic and Racial
Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
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The ACT for Youth Center of Excellence connects positive youth
development resources and research to practice in New York State and
beyond. The Center provides:
Technical support, training, and evaluation for youth-serving
programs funded by the NYS Department of Health.
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Resources
Understanding Race
http://www.understandingrace.org/home.html
Race: Power of an illusion
http://www.pbs.org/race/000_General/000_00-Home.htm
Ethnic identity and youth
http://www.lsic.ucla.edu/classes/psych/mays/phinney.html
Adolescent Ethnic and
Racial Identity Development
Alana Butler
●
May 2010
ACT for Youth Center of Excellence
act4youth@cornell.edu • 607-255-7736 • http://www.actforyouth.net