Multiple minority identities: applications for practice, research, and training, edited by R.
Nettles and R. Balter, 2012, New York, Springer, 304 pp., US$65.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-82610702-2
The editors, Nettles and Balter, introduce this volume by highlighting the identification of minority
group memberships–both between and within groups; the comprehensive challenges professionals
face when assisting individuals; and the need for professional training. I was delighted when I picked
up the book as there seems to be an absence of voice given to addressing this significant area of
research. Contributors to this edited volume examine the areas of race and multiculturalism, sexual
orientation, disability–and their intersections.
Multiple Minority Identities explores group
memberships through case studies with most chapters providing recommendations to the reader. The
authors concur that as social beings, our identities within group memberships exist on a spectrum of
privilege and disadvantage. How we come to experience these identities depends on our participation
in one or more minority groups; with multiple memberships bringing the attachment of within and
between group stigmas. While reading each chapter, it is clear that the contributors have a strong
sense of unity and solidarity that heightens the focus of the book.
The volume encompasses three sections with appendices that include the American Psychological
Association’s Multicultural Guidelines, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Guidelines.
The “professional” referred to in this review is considered to include one or more of the following
positions: mental health clinician, educator, psychotherapist, counsellor, consultant or other
professional in the area of psychotherapy. While the publication sets a precedent for the highly
valued work in this area, some chapters vary somewhat in written quality, case studies and
recommendations.
In the first section five papers discuss concepts related to “Research: What Matters about Multiple
Minority Identities”. Nabors explores the effects of both visible and concealed stigmas assigned to
individuals from minority groups, their missing voice and how they cope with such stigmas. In
addition, Banks considers evidence-based practice and the precipice between privilege and
marginalisation as it is represented through available health services, or the lack thereof. Regulating
research in this area of evidence-based practice needs to be addressed due to validity issues.
I was gladdened and refreshed to find that Leigh, in her discussion of the Deaf minority group,
recapitulates what it is to be deaf-that is, deafness is a normal part of life rather than a medical
experience that has to be treated. Leigh is to be congratulated, as she establishes the idea that
characteristics of the Deaf minority group are a usual and predictable part of life and not something to
be medically treated. Greene agrees with Leigh in regard to intersectionality of group participation in
multiple group memberships. Greene focuses on hierarchical effects of singular dominant group
memberships towards minority group members and the more complex circumstance of multiple group
memberships. She sums up the issue by stating that when individuals deny they are members of
multiple groups they alienate themselves, as they identify only with privileged minority groups and do
not encapsulate a full life experience-in effect, they deny themselves.
The next section, Section Two, relates to practice and interventions as Nettles introduces readers to an
all-embracing discussion of a group model of therapy-Group Psychotherapy - that truly belongs in this
section on practice. From an intrapersonal (within-person) aspect of lived experiences, individuals
participate in interpersonal (between-person) group dialogue that reflects upon and adjusts
participants’ self-concepts. Nettles effectively provides examples to illustrate his work and highlights
the difficulties that professionals experience when they themselves are from majority groups. Balter
presents a well-constructed account of the emersion of cognitive-behavioural therapies as she
demonstrates how multiple minority members’ perceptions and thoughts on a matter influence their
This is a postprint version of the following review: Yamanashi, Julie (2013) Multiple minority identities:
applications for practice, research, and training. International Journal of Disability Development and
Education, 60 4: 389-391. doi:10.1080/1034912X.2013.846019
feelings; and this goes on to evoke specific behaviours. Inspiringly, the author identifies a unique
finding in the area of client assistance which requires further investigative research: “When a client
identifies with more than one minority group, it is only the client, not the therapist, who knows when
group affiliations are in conflict and which identification is most salient for the particular problem
presented” (p. 136).
Olaoye discusses concepts related to Positive Psychology where the focus is on positive emotions and
how individuals can attain happiness and life satisfaction. Resilience as part of the therapy is included
through employing assessments and supportive plans; however, overcoming obstacles and the ability
to bounce back sometimes depend on cultural memberships. Ruth then examines processes of inner
conflict, psychosexual development and subjectivity through the exploration of psychodynamic and
psychoanalytic methods: to improve cognitive processes, specifically for those who identify with
multiple minority groups. The author stresses that professionals need to explore each individual’s
aspects of diverse identities to the extent of the client’s choosing.
In Chapters 10-13 (Section Three) on “Training: Minority, Multiple Minority and Majority
Implications”, Holmes highlights thought-provoking psychodynamic concepts of the intra-psychic
accommodation of representations and projections used by clients in treatment sessions. She states
that training and textbooks have come some way with assisting in the area of diversity, but the
psychodynamics of diverse memberships are still not being fully addressed by professionals in
sufficient accord with treatment programs. Green uses the kaleidoscope metaphor in his analysis of
group processes within multiple minority group memberships: the group looks at the here and now
within the group as a whole, and then explores unconscious processes of interactional group
outcomes. It is essential that the professional is competent in group processes in order to facilitate
effectively. Finally, Haldeman concludes with a thorough backdrop for understanding minority and
multiple minority members’ experiences of intersectionality. This chapter is well written, to the point
and uncomplicated; truly a chapter on training and education for professionals, students and educators
as he suggests the need to examine one’s own beliefs and understandings in order to better assist
clients.
In conclusion, the editors, Balter and Nettles, provide an overview of the publication highlighting
important issues, recommendations and cautions made by contributing authors. A vicarious history in
discrimination is explored and the dilemmas experienced by the professional or researcher through
inadequate availability or accessibility to multiple minority membership literature, specifically in
reference to the American Psychological Association’s resources. The editors also revisit each of the
three sections of the book, providing a stimulating review of each contribution with recommendations
following each section. Finally, the editors caution readers, suggesting that even though professionals
may be prepared and able to assist those in differing minority groups, stereotyping can still be present.
Professionals still need to be open to the understandings of cultural competence and within-groups
challenges; and, “if in doubt, seek help”.
Research contained in this volume was conducted in the United States with contributions reported on
studies in and around health and social services-yet Green makes some reference to international
work. This intra-country influence would make it challenging for readers from other cultures and
communities to apply such practices to their own particular circumstances. In view of this outcome,
and that contributors are mostly from the area of psychology, the target audience includes clinicians,
professionals and students in this area-as stated in the volume. Nonetheless, given this stance, I found
the book to be very readable and practical with little use of extraneous medical terms or conditions
that other professionals and the general academic public would find difficult to understand. In
summing up, the contributors to this publication have created an awareness of the plight of
This is a postprint version of the following review: Yamanashi, Julie (2013) Multiple minority identities:
applications for practice, research, and training. International Journal of Disability Development and
Education, 60 4: 389-391. doi:10.1080/1034912X.2013.846019
individuals’ seen and unseen experiences in order to make visible the experience of everyday people
in a diverse community.
Julie Yamanashi
This is a postprint version of the following review: Yamanashi, Julie (2013) Multiple minority identities:
applications for practice, research, and training. International Journal of Disability Development and
Education, 60 4: 389-391. doi:10.1080/1034912X.2013.846019