Ethnic Diversity
Developing a sense of ethnic identity is an important task for many adolescents, and numerous studies have found that having a strong ethnic identity contributes to high self-esteem among ethnic minority adolescents (e.g., Carlson, Uppal, & Prosser, 2000).
Ethnic identity includes the shared values, traditions, and practices of a cultural group. Identifying with the holidays, music, rituals, clothing, history, and heroic figures associated with one’s culture helps build a sense of belonging and positive identity.
For many of these youth, adolescence may be the first time that they consciously confront and reflect upon their ethnicity (Spencer & Dornbusch, 1990). This awareness can involve both positive and negative experiences.
Quite naturally, the values that parents consider to be most important to impart to youth vary among ethnic
cultures. For example, Asian American parents consider valuing the needs and desires of the group over those of
the individual and the avoidance of shame to be important values to convey to youth (Yeh & Huang,
1996).
African American families tend to value spirituality, family, and respect.
Values stressed by Latino parents include cooperation, respect for elders and others in authority, and the importance of relations with the extended family (Vasquez & de las Fuentes, 1999).
Parents from many Native American Indian cultures highly value harmony with nature and ties with family (Attneave, 1982). And, parents from the mainstream White culture may stress independence and individualism.
Great diversity exists within each of these ethnic groups
Ethnic identity includes the shared values, traditions, and practices of a cultural group. Identifying with the holidays, music, rituals, clothing, history, and heroic figures associated with one’s culture helps build a sense of belonging and positive identity.
For many of these youth, adolescence may be the first time that they consciously confront and reflect upon their ethnicity (Spencer & Dornbusch, 1990). This awareness can involve both positive and negative experiences.
Quite naturally, the values that parents consider to be most important to impart to youth vary among ethnic
cultures. For example, Asian American parents consider valuing the needs and desires of the group over those of
the individual and the avoidance of shame to be important values to convey to youth (Yeh & Huang,
1996).
African American families tend to value spirituality, family, and respect.
Values stressed by Latino parents include cooperation, respect for elders and others in authority, and the importance of relations with the extended family (Vasquez & de las Fuentes, 1999).
Parents from many Native American Indian cultures highly value harmony with nature and ties with family (Attneave, 1982). And, parents from the mainstream White culture may stress independence and individualism.
Great diversity exists within each of these ethnic groups
Works Cited
A Reference for Professionals Developing Adolescents (2002). American Psychological Association.
Veronica Cameron
A Reference for Professionals Developing Adolescents (2002). American Psychological Association.
Veronica Cameron