#CSAM16 Day 16: Development of Mexican American Identity

Ethnic Identity in children has five components. 1 - Ethnic self-identitification, this is when children identify themselves with their ethnic group. 2 - Ethnic constancy - children understand that their identity is constant and unchanging. 3 - Ethnic role behaviors - children engage in behaviors that align with their ethnic group. 4 - Ethnic knowledge - children realize that certain knowledge or behaviors are specific and relevant to their ethnic group. 5 - Ethnic feelings and preferences - children develop feelings about their belonging within their ethnic group. Children develop within the framework gradually and is dependent on learning about themselves in social settings.

Title of theory: Development of Mexican American Identity

Year theory was published: 1993

Students originally studied: 45 Mexican American children between the ages of 6 and 10. Both of their parents were of Mexican descent.

Background of the authors: Martha E. Bernal was the first Latina to receive a PhD in psychology in the US. She was born in San Antonio Texas and was the daughter of two Mexican immigrants. She studied and wrote about learning theory and multicultural psychology. A really great online biography can be found here: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-35/about/heritage/martha-bernal-biography.aspx

George Knight is an Emeritus Professor in the Dept of Psychology at Arizona State University. His research interests are varied, and include ethnic identity development of Mexican Americans and cross-cultural development.

Katheryn A. Ocampo - I couldn't find any biographical information

Camille A. Garza - I could only find one Camille A. Garza, and that was a practicing clinical psychologist in Arizona

Marya K. Cota - I couldn't find much on this author either, aside from further publications with Knight and/or Bernal

How theory can be used now: While this is another theory that outlines childhood development, I think it's important for us to realize what our students have gone through before coming to us. We also need to be aware that some of our students might still be going through development as they come to us, they meet new people, and explore who they think they are.

Words of warning: This study specifically looked at Mexican American children, so take caution in applying this development theory to other students who may come from a similar background.

Bernal, M. E., Knight, G. P., Ocampo, K. A., Garza, C. A., & Cota, M. K. (1993). Development of mexican american identity. Ethnic identity: Formation and transmission among Hispanics and other minorities, 31-46.

https://www.apadivisions.org/division-35/about/heritage/martha-bernal-biography.aspx

https://psychology.clas.asu.edu/content/george-knight

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