Ethnic Identity, Psychology of

Abstract

Ethnic identity is a dynamic, multidimensional construct that refers to one's identity, or sense of self, as a member of an ethnic group. An ethnic identity changes over time developmentally and in response to the context. It shows a developmental sequence from early identifications to a personal search—usually during adolescence—for a meaningful ethnic identity. Feelings of insecurity or perceived threats regarding one's ethnic identity can lead to ethnic violence. The optimal outcome of the ethnic identity formation process is the achievement of a secure and confident sense of one's ethnicity. This mature sense of self as an ethnic group member is assumed to include positive feelings about one's own and other groups and to be a source of positive self-evaluation. Ethnic identity is highly salient for immigrants, but it changes over time and across generations. For later generations of immigrants, the retention of ethnic identity depends both on attitudes within the ethnic group and on the broader societal or historical context. A bicultural identity, including an ethnic and a national identity, appears to be most adaptive. The study of ethnic identity remains fragmented, with little integration of research across different settings. Increased collaboration among researchers from different countries is needed.