The construction of ethnic identity: insights from identity process theory

Jaspal, R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8463-9519 and Cinnirella, M, 2012. The construction of ethnic identity: insights from identity process theory. Ethnicities, 12 (5), pp. 503-530. ISSN 1468-7968

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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 sociology, 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 relation to social psychology. This paper attempts to reconcile psychological and sociological 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.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Ethnicities
Creators:	Jaspal, R. and Cinnirella, M.
Publisher:	Sage
Date:	1 October 2012
Volume:	12
Number:	5
ISSN:	1468-7968
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1177/1468796811432689 DOI 1315870 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	17 Apr 2020 08:37
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2020 08:37
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39666

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