1st Edition

Multifaceted Identity of Interethnic Young People Chameleon Identities

By Sultana Choudhry Copyright 2010
    234 Pages
    by Routledge

    234 Pages
    by Routledge

    The number of interethnic individuals is one of the most striking demographic changes in Britain over the last decade. Demonstrating both that identity is fluid and multifaceted rather than fixed, and that people of Asian,Black,Chinese and White interethnic backgrounds do not necessarily experience identity conflict as proposed by some social scientists, Multifaceted Identity of Interethnic Young People explores the manner in which interethnic young people define their identities. In doing so, it also looks at their parents and their experiences as interethnic couples in society. Presenting rich new empirical information relating to young people of Black, White, Asian and Chinese interethnic backgrounds, this book also examines the impact that inter-religious relationships have upon young people's sense of identity, whilst also discussing the implications of the election of America's first interethnic president. As such, it will be of interest to social scientists working in the fields of race, ethnicity and identity.

    List of Figures, List of Tables, Series Editor’s Preface, A Multi-Faceted Identity of Mixed Race Children: A Masala Mosaic, Acknowledgements, PART 1: Placing Identity Theory and Research in Context, 1. Introduction, 2. Social Science Theories and Research on Identity, 3. The Science of Ethnic and Interethnic Identity, PART 2: The Research, 4. How the Research was Carried Out, PART 3: Voices, 5. Non-interethnic Parents and Children, 6. Interethnic Couples, PART 4: The Coming of the Chameleons, 7. Who am I? Identities Adopted, 8. A Chameleon Identity, 9. The Fine Art of Choosing an Identity, 10. The Impact of being Interethnic, 11. Conclusion: The Future is Interethnics, Appendix, Bibliography, Index

    Biography

    Sultana Choudhry is Principal Lecturer in Psychology and Director of Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health at London Metropolitan University, UK.

    'This fascinating book gives a detailed insight into the research process, and allows the voices of many inter-ethnic persons to be heard through its combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. It raises important issues about identity in modern Britain, and will be of great interest to researchers in the area, and to people of mixed ethnic heritage themselves.' Peter K. Smith, Goldsmiths University of London, UK 'Identity formation is a fascinating and complex process, more so in inter-ethnic adolescents. Revealing skilful research on families of parents of South Asian and white origins, this landmark book explodes the myth that inter- ethnic identity is characterised by conflict and marginalization, brings to life the reality of situational and changing identity and is a valuable contribution to the literature.' Kedar Nath Dwivedi, London Metropolitan University and Director, International Institute of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, UK 'Choudhry’s book provides scholars of multiraciality, ethnic/racial identity development, and sociology with new insights into the multiracial experience and several important ideas for future inquiry.' Journal of Comparative Family Studies