Understanding Sue’s Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model
As individuals, we all have a unique set of experiences and backgrounds that contribute to our sense of identity. Our identity is influenced by factors such as our race, ethnicity, culture, and upbringing. Understanding how individuals develop their racial/cultural identity is important in creating a more inclusive and equitable society. In this article, we will explore Dr. Derald Wing Sue’s Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model and how it can be applied to our own lives.
Introduction
Dr. Derald Wing Sue is a renowned psychologist and scholar who has extensively studied racial identity development. He developed the Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model to help individuals and groups better understand the complex process of identity formation in relation to race and culture.
The model consists of five stages: Conformity, Dissonance, Resistance and Immersion, Introspection, and Integrative Awareness.
Body
Conformity: The first stage of the model is Conformity. At this stage, individuals adopt the beliefs and values of their dominant culture. They do not yet question the norms or thinking of their surroundings as they have not yet been exposed to diversity. This leads to a sense of comfort and belonging for that individual in their social circle. However, this can also lead to the individual becoming ignorant and rejecting other cultures, contributing to marginalization and discrimination.
Dissonance: The second stage of Sue’s model is Dissonance. Individuals begin to question their surrounding dominant culture. They recognize that there are differences between their culture and others. At this stage, individuals become conscious about their identity, experiences, and feelings which may have been neglected. They also become aware of the stereotypes and prejudices surrounding their own culture. This stage may cause discomfort, anxiety, and internal conflict, as individuals may begin to question their morals and beliefs.
Resistance and Immersion: At this stage, individuals actively fight against the majority culture and attempt to connect with their own culture. They may immerse themselves in their own culture, community, and history, rejecting the others. The individual may be surprised at their own intolerance and anger towards other groups. This is normal as the person wants to redefine their identity for a sense of pride and dignity but may reject others for the amusement of that.
Introspection: The fourth stage of Sue’s model is Introspection. Individuals move from sheer rejection and a strong connection with their own culture to reflecting and self-examination. They evaluate their own biases and prejudice against other cultures. People who were rejected also self reflect on how it felt to be excluded, how that was similar to another culture, and begin to see the commonalities between these cultures. At this level, individuals actively fight against the majority or minority cultures’ stereotypes, biases, and prejudice. This stage emphasizes the concept of empathy towards other cultures and builds interpersonal relationships.
Integrative Awareness: The final stage of Sue’s model is Integrative Awareness. Individuals assemble all of their learning experiences, reflection, and transformation to build their final identity. This person can understand their own culture, even more, can also be open towards different cultures. As individuals become increasingly accepting of each other and who they are, they realize that differences can promote growth opportunities and are a critical aspect of human experience.
Conclusion
Dr. Derald Wing Sue’s Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model offers a structured approach to understanding our complex identities. By exploring different stages, we can better comprehend our reactions to different races and cultures. Personal growth requires self-reflection and empathy towards others, which should be based on integrity and an understanding of the struggle of those belonging to different cultures. This model is essential in inclusive workplaces, schools, and societies where different cultures coexist to create a more united and equitable world.
