Identity Development Paper

Jean Kim’s Asian American Identify Development Model (1981, 2001)

· Five Stages (Sequential and Progressive):

Ethical Awareness –

· Starts in early childhood around age 3 or 4. At this stage the family serves as the significant ethnic group model and depending on the amount of ethnic expression in the household, positive or neutral attitudes are formed.

· Identity is formed through family structure, prior to integration of school and peers

White Identification –

· Begins once children enter school and peers and the school environment become key influences in propagating racial prejudice, which starts to negatively impact self-esteem and identity. Becoming aware of their difference leads to wanting to identify with white society and distance themselves from their Asian heritage.

· Individual actively attempts to assimilate and identify as White to avoid criticisms of differences

Awakening to social political consciousness –

· Means the adoption of a new perspective, usually associated with increased political awareness and an understanding of oppression and oppressed groups. The primary result is no longer wanting to identify with white society.

· Individuals have realization of acts of discrimination stem from the structure of race in our society

· Begin to join forces with other oppressed groups to uplift and move race forward

Redirection to Asian American Consciousness –

· Characterized by a reconnection and pride with one’s Asian American heritage and culture. Anger about white racism may be a part of this stage.

· Individuals develop a sense of pride within themselves with support of their family, friends, social networks

Incorporation

· Represents the highest form of identity evolution. It includes a positive and comfortable identity as Asian American and a respect for other racial/cultural groups. The feelings of association for or against white culture are no longer an issue.

· Individual establishes healthy self-concept, integrate and interact with others outside of his or her own race