TY - JOUR
T1 - Multidimensional model of racial identity
T2 - A reconceptualization of African American racial identity
AU - Sellers, Robert M.
AU - Smith, Mia A.
AU - Shelton, J. Nicole
AU - Rowley, Stephanie A.J.
AU - Chavous, Tabbye M.
PY - 1998
Y1 - 1998
N2 - Research on African American racial identity has utilized 2 distinct approaches. The mainstream approach has focused on universal properties associated with ethnic and racial identities. In contrast, the underground approach has focused on documenting the qualitative meaning of being African American, with an emphasis on the unique cultural and historical experiences of African Americans. The Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI) represents a synthesis of the strengths of these two approaches. The underlying assumptions associated with the model are explored. The model proposes 4 dimensions of African American racial identity: salience, centrality, regard, and ideology. A description of these dimensions is provided along with a discussion of how they interact to influence behavior at the level of the event. We argue that the MMRI has the potential to make contributions to traditional research objectives of both approaches, as well as to provide the impetus to explore new questions.
AB - Research on African American racial identity has utilized 2 distinct approaches. The mainstream approach has focused on universal properties associated with ethnic and racial identities. In contrast, the underground approach has focused on documenting the qualitative meaning of being African American, with an emphasis on the unique cultural and historical experiences of African Americans. The Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI) represents a synthesis of the strengths of these two approaches. The underlying assumptions associated with the model are explored. The model proposes 4 dimensions of African American racial identity: salience, centrality, regard, and ideology. A description of these dimensions is provided along with a discussion of how they interact to influence behavior at the level of the event. We argue that the MMRI has the potential to make contributions to traditional research objectives of both approaches, as well as to provide the impetus to explore new questions.
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U2 - 10.1207/s15327957pspr0201_2
DO - 10.1207/s15327957pspr0201_2
M3 - Article
C2 - 15647149
AN - SCOPUS:21944442573
SN - 1088-8683
VL - 2
SP - 18
EP - 39
JO - Personality and Social Psychology Review
JF - Personality and Social Psychology Review
IS - 1
ER -