Exploring the Racial Identity Development Model
The racial identity development model is a theoretical framework that helps to understand how people navigate their racial or ethnic identity throughout their lives. The model typically includes stages of development that individuals encounter as they grow and mature. These stages can be equalized to growth and progression in identity; from childhood through adulthood. The model aims to help individuals understand their racial identity, associated systemic oppression, and encourages the building of allyship towards people of different heritages.
1. Pre- Encounters: This stage involves lack of knowledge about racism, as one has not received any tangible understanding of other cultures or ethnicities. Inter-racial misconceptions may purposefully or unknowingly be made.
2. Encounter: This stage involves an awakening to racism, derived from observing or exeriencing race discrimination. It could be an individual or group encounter.
3. Immersion and Dissonance: This stage involves an individual’s need to understand and know more about other cultures and ethnicities. Individuals will be involved with individuals, groups, and organizations with various backgrounds for better understanding.
4. Internalization or Integrative Awareness: This stage involves integration of learned cultural values with the individual’s personal values. This enables individuals to develop a positive outlook on racial identity and how they can contribute positively to race relations.
5. Commitment or Professionalisation: This stage involves deepening racial identity identification and raising awareness for it amongst others. Positive change can only take place when there are allies working alongside oppressed groups. It also involves the developing a conscious need to create a safe space for others within the racial identity community.
In conclusion, the racial identity development model underscores the significance of a positive and developmental approach to learning and understanding race and ethnicity for complete self-discovery. Consequently, individuals at various stages of development should focus on gaining a comprehensive knowledge of multiple cultures in an attempt to decrease racial bias, overcome systemic exclusion, and create a more understanding and inclusive world for all.
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