Ethnic Identity in an American White Minority Group

Abstract

To examine ethnic identity as a predictor of adolescent self-competence and possible differences in ethnic identity according to age in an American White minority ethnic group, we surveyed 63 Jewish teenagers (ages 11-18) living in a Jewish nondominant neighborhood context in a large southeastern metropolitan area in the United States. Participants completed measures of ethnic identity, self-competence, demographic variables, and peer and family relationships. Results indicate that the older Jewish teenagers (15 and older) have a weaker ethnic identification than the younger Jewish teenagers (14 and under). At all ages, teenagers with stronger ethnic identification reported greater scholastic self-competence. Additionally, family or peer variables predicted 4 of the 5 dimensions of self-competence examined (social acceptance, physical appearance, close friendship, and self-worth), suggesting the importance of other influences on self-competence like the quality of family and peer relationships.