Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity: A Reconceptualization of African American Racial Identity

Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity: A Reconceptualization of African American Racial Identity

1998, Vol. 2, No. 1, 18–39 | Robert M. Sellers, Mia A. Smith, J. Nicole Shelton, Stephanie A. J. Rowley, Tabbye M. Chavous
The article introduces the Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI), which integrates two distinct approaches to understanding African American racial identity: the mainstream approach focusing on universal properties of ethnic and racial identities, and the underground approach emphasizing the unique cultural and historical experiences of African Americans. The MMRI proposes four dimensions of African American racial identity: salience, centrality, regard, and ideology. These dimensions address both the significance and qualitative meaning of race in the self-concepts of African Americans. The model suggests that racial identity is influenced by situational cues and stable personal characteristics, and it emphasizes the individual's perception of their racial identity. The MMRI aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of African American racial identity by integrating the strengths of both mainstream and underground approaches.The article introduces the Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI), which integrates two distinct approaches to understanding African American racial identity: the mainstream approach focusing on universal properties of ethnic and racial identities, and the underground approach emphasizing the unique cultural and historical experiences of African Americans. The MMRI proposes four dimensions of African American racial identity: salience, centrality, regard, and ideology. These dimensions address both the significance and qualitative meaning of race in the self-concepts of African Americans. The model suggests that racial identity is influenced by situational cues and stable personal characteristics, and it emphasizes the individual's perception of their racial identity. The MMRI aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of African American racial identity by integrating the strengths of both mainstream and underground approaches.
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