PSC Biracial Identity Formation


		Biracial Identity Formation: What is Biracial/Multiracial? Individuals who are biologically or culturally from two or more races, ethnicities or cultures Individuals with dual or multiple heritages; may have dual-minority (e.g., Black-Latino) or majority-minority (e.g., White-ethnic) combination Introduction to topic: It is estimated that the number of biracial individuals in the United States is between one and ten million. In April of 2000 the U.S. Census Bureau added 126 racial combinations, for the first time in history giving Biracial/Multiracial individuals the option to self-identify with multiple heritage groups. As biracial people become empowered to claim their right to accurately label their heritage, and the numbers of biracial individuals and families continues to grow, society is compelled to broaden their definition of race. Biracial people are accustomed to being asked the question, “What are you?” Many theorists have argued that biracial people inherently live in between two worlds, unable to enjoy the benefits of full membership within one group. Others would argue that being biracial allows individuals to transcend and transform our system of racial classification. Challenges/Difficulties Encountered by Biracial Individuals: Biracial people may feel like isolated, misunderstood misfits. When exposed to people with strong racial views, they are likely to question their right to claim all aspects of their personality and heritage. Biracial/Multiracial individuals challenge the existing social order and hierarchical structure of cultural groups. They challenge strongly held notions that one cannot have multiple racial group affiliations. This is because they do not fit into the simplistic and restrictive system of Black or White, minority or majority. Thus, Biracial individuals are often susceptible to the following: Frequently experience some form of rejection from immediate and/or extended family members Anxiety regarding dual (or multiple) racial heritage Internal conflicts due to having parents from different racial/ethnic groups Problems choosing relationship partners due to racial complications May experience oppression as people of color and by people of color Tensions with one or more racial group based on ambiguous affiliation Pressure to identify with only one group based on physical characteristics Racial Dissonance:The inability to answer the question, “Who is my reference group?” Marginalization: A sense of feeling connected to both worlds but not a full member of either Factors Related to Biracial Identity Formation Identity formation in general usually begins in teenage years and lasts until early to mid-20’s Racial/Ethnic/Cultural identification is a core part of self-identity Physical factors such as skin color, physique, facial and hair features influence racial identification Group status may influence desire for membership Exposure to cultural customs increase knowledge of and identification with a group Positive relationships with both parents Racial awareness may develop more slowly in biracial children Access to multiracial peer group Acceptance from others of the label “Biracial or Multiracial,” including U.S. Census Biracial role models Challenges to Biracial identity formation: Race, Social Relationships, and Oppression Scientists have evidence against race as a biological concept Greater genetic variability exists within populations in skin color, eye color and hair texture Race has strong political implications for arranging hierarchical social order Caucasians have historically been placed at the top, with Asians next, Native Americans, and then Africans at the bottom One drop rule: Former U.S. Laws regarded as African-American anyone possessing 1/16 th African heritage Until 1967, 14 states still held laws against interracial marriages Social/Political Reality Shapes Biracial Identity Biracial individuals may internalize conflicts between groups Groups of nearly equal status allow for greater social and economic mobility, e.g., Asians & Americans, increasing likelihood of acceptance from both White supremacy and institutionalized racism may inhibit biracial identity development The reality of group oppression is a unique consideration for African descendants Personal identity needs should be balanced within political context Biculturalism: One approach to Biracial Identity Formation Bicultural/multicultural: the ability to identify with more than one culture Able to live in a satisfying manner within two groups This ability preceded by strong sense of identity An option for everyone, not just biracial people Advantages of Biculturalism: Bicultural individuals may be successful in more than one cultural group They may possess strengths in their ability to handle conflict and stress Increased confidence from balanced identity Increased tolerance for ambiguity, change, and diversity Considered “bridges” between cultural groups Leaders in social change Biracial/Multiracial Bill of Rights by Maria Root: Multiracial individuals have the right to self-definition Multiracial individuals must resist the oppressiveness of choosing only one heritage group The right to be complex, ambiguous, and to change over time and situations The right to claim membership in multiple heritage groups The right to prioritize membership with one group The right not to justify cultural classification For more information on Biracial People, go to website: www.MIXEDFOLKS.COM References: Jones, L. (1994). Bulletproof Diva. New York: Anchor Books LaFromboise, T. et. al. (1993). Psychological Impact of Biculturalism: Evidence and Theory, Psychological Bulletin, (Vol. 14), No. 3, 395-412. Root, M. P. (1992). Racially Mixed People in America. Newbury Park: Sage Publications. Your Counseling Service:Timely, confidential, and professional assistance is available at the UniversityPsychological Services Center(8:00am – 5:00pm, M-F) for UC students located at 316 Dyer Hall. Phone (513-556-0648) or stop in for a no-charge screening interview Resources: The best psychology sites with valuable information and links to hundreds of other sites on the World Wide Web are Psych Centralby Dr. John Grohol and Internet Mental Health and www.MIXEDFOLKS.COM This fact sheet is provided as service by the University of Cincinnati Psychological Services Center and the Division of Student Affairs and Services. This fact sheet was prepared by Teresa Fiedler and the professional staff of the Psychological Services Center.