The construction of ethnic identity: insights from identity process theory
Date
2012Abstract
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.
Citation : Jaspal, R. and Cinnirella, M. (2012) The construction of ethnic identity: insights from identity process theory. Ethnicities, 12 (5), pp. 503-530
ISSN : 1468-7968
Research Group : Psychology
Research Institute : Media Discourse Centre (MDC)
Research Institute : Mary Seacole Research Centre
Research Institute : Mary Seacole Research Centre
Peer Reviewed : Yes
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Identity Integration, Psychological Coherence and Identity Threat: Linking Identity Process Theory and Notions of Integration
Amiot, Catherine; Jaspal, Rusi (Book chapter)The goal of the current chapter is threefold, namely: (i) to explain how individuals, in times of change, come to integrate new identities intra-individually in their sense of self and maintain a feeling of psychological ... -
From Media and Identity to Mediated Identity
Wood, Helen (Book chapter) -
Two cultures, one identity: formulations of Australian Isma’ili Muslim identity
Mitha, Karim; Adatia, Shelina; Jaspal, Rusi (Article)The Shi’a Imami Nizari Isma’ili Muslims have often been considered the "poster child" for pluralistic integration (Cayo 2008). This ethos has been inculcated within members of the community, with its adherents seeing ...