The construction of ethnic identity: insights from identity process theory

Date
2012
Authors
Jaspal, Rusi
Cinnirella, Marco
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
1468-7968
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE
Peer reviewed
Yes
Abstract
Ethnicity has received much empirical and theoretical attention in the social sciences. Yet, it has scarcely been explored in terms of its relationship with the motivational principles of identity. Here it is argued that there is much heuristic and predictive value in applying identity process theory (IPT), a socio-psychological model of identity threat, to the substantive literature on ethnicity. The paper explores the potential psychological benefits of ethnic identification. Key theoretical strands from anthropology and sociol- ogy, such as the ‘relational self’ in ethnic identification, are discussed in relation to IPT. The intergroup dimension of ethnic identification is explored through the discussion of ethnic ‘boundaries’. Finally, the paper discusses the construct of ‘hybridization’ in rela- tion to social psychology. This paper attempts to reconcile psychological and sociolog- ical perspectives on ethnic identification, advocating a multi-methodological approach. Key theoretical points are outlined in the form of testable hypotheses which are open to empirical exploration.
Description
The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.
Keywords
ethnic identity, ethnicity, hybridity, identity threat, identity process theory, social representations, South Asians, social psychology, sociology
Citation
Jaspal, R. and Cinnirella, M. (2012) The construction of ethnic identity: insights from identity process theory. Ethnicities, 12 (5), pp. 503-530
Research Institute
Media Discourse Centre (MDC)
Mary Seacole Research Centre