Exploring whiteness: A study of self labels for white Americans

This study examines the preferences and meanings of labels for white Americans as discursively defined expressions of identity. Preliminary investigation revealed resistance by white Americans to self‐labelling, and led to this systematic study of preferred labels and the reasons underlying this resistance. In all, 371 white respondents completed a survey, rating seven labels in terms of preference, and gave meanings for these labels. They also discussed their feelings and opinions about the process of self‐labelling. The results reveal that the most preferred label is “White” and the least preferred is “WASP.” The authors interpret the findings from a multi‐perspectival position, incorporating critical as well as social psychological interpretations.

Key concepts:

• Whiteness
• self‐labelling
• white identity
• identity
• racial identity