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Ethnic/Racial Identity: Fuzzy Categories and Shifting Positions

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  • Kay Deaux

Abstract

Demographic changes and increasing diversity in the United States bring about changes in how people define themselves and how they categorize others. I describe three issues that are relevant to the labeling and self-definition of ethnic groups in U.S. society: (1) the creation and definition of identity categories, (2) the subjectivity of self-definition, and (3) the flexibility of identity expression. In each case, substantial research from social psychology and related disciplines supports a socially constructed definition and use of ethnic categories, wherein identities are subject to the influence of local and national norms and are amenable to change across situations and over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Kay Deaux, 2018. "Ethnic/Racial Identity: Fuzzy Categories and Shifting Positions," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 677(1), pages 39-47, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:677:y:2018:i:1:p:39-47
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716218754834
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carolyn A. Liebler & Sonya R. Porter & Leticia E. Fernandez & James M. Noon & Sharon R. Ennis, 2017. "America’s Churning Races: Race and Ethnicity Response Changes Between Census 2000 and the 2010 Census," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 54(1), pages 259-284, February.
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