Abstract:
The question "Who Am IT' has been part of the human consciousness for as long as our species has existed. This concept is complicated, however, by the addition of personally and socially constructed ethnic identity. Daunting as it may be, ethnic identity is as important for an individual's social persona as it is for his or her psychological wellbeing. Current social trends show an increase in ethnic identification among Americans despite a weakening of ethnic boundaries through the emergence of a multiethnic demographic. Research shows that the ethnic identities promoted by these multiethnic individuals and others who identify as multicultural may be the most psychologically beneficial of all ethnic self-concepts. Through an exploration of current literature, this thesis sheds light on the process and significance of ethnic identity and examines my experience as a multiethnic individual developing an ethnic self-concept.
