Variations in Ethnic Identification Among Arab-European Individuals in Israel During the Developmental Stage of Adolescence: Predictors and Outcomes

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal variations in ethnic identity types among mixed-ethnic adolescents. The participants in this study were 127 mixed-ethnic Arab-European adolescents (13–18 years) living in Israel, almost evenly divided between male and female participants, with an average age of 15.63. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed 4 ethnic identity types among participants: mixed-ethnic identification, assimilation into Arab heritage, assimilation into European heritage, and ethnic marginalization. Quantitative differences among these types in scores on Arab and European ethnic identification measures confirmed the qualitative differences. The study also found that Arab and European ethnic identity scores were uncorrelated, providing further evidence of differences between the types. Prediction of individuals' ethnic identification types and examination of behavioral correlates postulated as relating to the types were also conducted.