Ethnic Identity and Self-Esteem: A Review and Integration

In order to clarify the relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem, this article identifies a number of components of ethnic identity and examines research linking each component to self-esteem. Research generally has found a weak or inconsistent relationship between self-esteem and the following components: negative stereotypes of one's group; acceptance versus rejection of one's group membership; knowledge about one's group; and commitment to the group. Failure to find a clearer relationship may be a result of not taking into account the ethnic group member's relationship to the mainstream culture. There is evidence to suggest that a strong ethnic identity, when accompanied by a positive mainstream orientation, is related to high self-esteem, whereas without some adaptation to the mainstream it may be problematic.