Ethnic Identity and Acculturation

By Mary Stephens

Photo courtesy of Bill Boersma.

What is Ethnic Identity?

vs.Ethnic Identity

Racial Identity

“Many consider ethnic and racial identity related but different constructs” (Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D., & Renn, K. A., 2010, p. 273).

“Ethnic identity can refer to differences in a multitude of characteristics like ‘nationality, ancestry, religion, language, culture, and history to which personal and societal meanings of group identity are usually attached’” (Cokley, as cited in Evans et al., 2010, p. 274). 

Photo courtesy of Bill Boersma.

Ethnic Identity Defined

“Understanding a group’s worldview offers a glimpse into the values important to the group’s identity” (Evans et al., 2010, p. 275). 

Photo courtesy of Bill Boersma.

Worldview and Ethnic Identity

Ethnic Identity Stages

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Helms, as cited in Holcomb-McCoy, 2005, proposes that each individual is in some stage of identity development.

Phinney’s Ethnic Identity Development—Stage 1

Unexamined Ethnic Identity: Feeling and attitudes about one’s own ethnicity remain unexplored. This stage is marked by disinterest in ethnicity.

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Phinney’s Ethnic Identity Development—Stage 2

Ethnic Identity Search/Moratorium: Increased awareness of ethnic identity and search for personal significance of one’s ethnic identity. This stage may be characterized by emotional intensity.  

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Phinney’s Ethnic Identity Development—Stage 3

Ethnic Identity Achievement: Identity conflicts resolved as a healthy bicultural identity is realized. This stage is marked by confidence and calmness.

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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

Acculturation Defined“Acculturation refers to the changes that occur in beliefs, values, and behaviors of ethnic individuals as a result of contact with, desired or undesired adaptation to, the dominant culture” (Berry, as cited in Evans et al., 2010, p. 276). 

Assimilate: Identify only with the dominate culture.

Marginalize: Reject their own & the host culture.

Separate: Identify only with their own culture.

Integrate: Become bicultural. 

 Photo courtesy of Bill Boersma.

Berry’s Acculturative Strategies

Strategies to Reduce Acculturative Stress

Support integration of all students’ ethnic identities.

Encourage a sense of belonging.

Generate openness to other cultures.

Broaden cultural exposure. 

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References

Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D., & Renn, K. A.

(2010). Student development in college: Theory, research,

and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Holcomb-McCoy, C. (2005). Ethnic identity development in early

adolescence: Implications and recommendations for middle

school counselors. The Free Library. Retrieved from

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ethnic+identity+development+in

+early+adolescence%3A+implications+and...-a0140524755