The identity of a minority

Abstract

While emphasising the complexity of concepts like identity and ethnicity, the author presents recent social psychological theorising on the predicaments of minority identity. The old theory of universal ethnocentrism has been qualified with so‐called social identity theory, which sometimes reveals unjustified assumptions about minority dependence on, and conformity to, the ongoing majority values and definitions. This view is criticised and contrasted with a conflict perspective on society, in which values and definitions created by dominant groups are the objects of both constant conflicts and negotiations. Consequently, both majority and minority identities can be secure or insecure, positive or negative.