Ethnic Identity: The Domain of Perceptions of and Attachment to Ethnic Groups and Cultures

Abstract

This article integrates empirical findings from research in two cultural groups in the United States: Chicanos and Appalachians. Factor analysis of survey data concerning ethnicity gathered in the two groups produced similar factor patterns indicating three general dimensions of ethnicity: ethnic culture, ethnic group membership, and ethnic identity. Ethnic culture is the component of ethnicity that refers to the pattern of behaviors and beliefs that sets a group apart from others. Ethnic group membership refers to the network of people with whom an individual is in contact, and the ethnic affiliation of those people and the groups they form. Ethnic identity encompasses the perceptions of and personal affiliation with ethnic groups and cultures. Specifically, ethnic identity consists of: the perception of differences among ethnic groups; the feelings of attachment to and pride in one ethnic group and cultural heritage as opposed to others; and, at least where there are perceived physical differences between groups, the perception of prejudice and discrimination against one's own ethnic group. The dimension of ethnic identity is illustrated in depth with case study data collected during the Chicano research.