An Ecological Perspective on Cultural Identity Development

Multiracial Competence in Social Work: Recommendations for Culturally Attuned Work with Multiracial People

“…Instead, multiracial identity research advances new models with fluid conceptions of identity development, suggesting that identities vary and change on the basis of context and family system and over the life course (see Hall, 2005;Jackson, 2009;renn, 2003;rockquemore, Brunsma, Delgado, 2009;rockquemore & Laszloffy, 2005;root, 1998;wijeyesinghe, 2001). These dynamic conceptions of race and identity replace earlier stage models that pathologized multiracial identity outcomes as psychologically unhealthy (Stonequist, 1937) or ignored such identities altogether (Coleman et al, 2003). This group of models further stresses the centrality of historic and contemporary social contexts and, in this way, compliments earlier discussions of creating a knowledge base that values the sociohistorical context of one's development.…”

“…Multiracial literature further explicates how these same folk theories of race combine to inform unique social narratives related to multiraciality (Dalmage, 2004;Ifekwunigwe, 2004;Keddell, 2009;rockquemore & Laszloffy, 2003rockquemore & Laszloffy, , 2005. These constructions of multiraciality include the following: narratives within society and science that pathologize multiracial individuals as inherently at risk for cultural loss, identity confusion, and psychological problems caused genetically by mixed racial heritage, as typified by the figures of the "tragic mulatto" and the "marginal man"; social conceptions of interracial partnerships as unnatural and, thus, inherently ill fated; constructions of the "multiracial identity" as an unresolved and unhealthy identity status; narratives within communities of color that pathologize claims to multiracial identities as attempts to "pass" as white and escape racial stigma; and today's portrayal of multiracials as "rainbow children"-experiencing the "best of both worlds" or validating a "postrace" America (see Chiong, 1998;Coleman et al, 2003;Dalmage, 2004;Davis, 2001;Gaskins, 1999;Guevarra, 2007;Ifekwunigwe, 2004;rockquemore & Laszloffy, 2003rockquemore & Laszloffy, , 2005root & Kelley, 2003;Samuels, 2006;Shih & Sanchez, 2005;Spencer, 2006;wijeyesinghe, 2001). Therefore, developing critical self-awareness requires an understanding of how these societal narratives of race inform our own beliefs about multiracial individuals and families.…”

“…In this case, social workers must discern whether a given model of development is relevant to, and thus useful in, understanding a client's racial and cultural experience. Increasingly, scholars critique single-race models of racial-ethnic identity as problematic for use with multiracial populations (see Coleman et al, 2003;Hall, 2005;Jackson, 2009;root, 1998;wijeyesinghe, 2001). Instead, multiracial identity research advances new models with fluid conceptions of identity development, suggesting that identities vary and change on the basis of context and family system and over the life course (see Hall, 2005;Jackson, 2009;renn, 2003;rockquemore, Brunsma, Delgado, 2009;rockquemore & Laszloffy, 2005;root, 1998;wijeyesinghe, 2001).…”

“…Both shared and distinct experiences of multiraciality could likely affect the provision of culturally attuned services and supports. Second, researchers often use methods and measures of racial and ethnic identity that have been criticized as inappropriate for understanding identity development among people of mixed-race heritage (Coleman et al, 2003;Jackson, 2010a). Finally, social work scholarship has yet to fully connect with the explosion of literature theorizing and critiquing multiraciality within the fields of ethnic studies, sociology, and political science (DaCosta, 2007;Dalmage, 2004;Ifekwunigwe, 2004;rockquemore & Brunsma, 2002;Spencer, 2006;winters & DeBose, 2003).…”

Working with multiracial clients in therapy: Bridging theory, research, and practice.

“…Researchers have sought to describe the process, often developmental in nature, whereby individuals make sense of their identities as racial beings (Coleman, Norton, Miranda, & McCubbin, 2003). Several models and descriptions of identity have been posited for multiracial individuals, and these have evolved over the years as new research has emerged and as our historical and sociopolitical climate has changed within the United States.…”