Theories of empowerment propose how individuals can increase their personal, interpersonal, and political power in order to take action to improve their lives. Empowerment requires development of a new self-concept composed of three mutually reinforcing cognitive components: (1) group identification; (2) stratum consciousness; and (3) self- and…

Explores confusion over what major ethnic groups call themselves, as well as social, political, and economic implications of changing ethnic terminology. Discusses ramifications of labels for ethnic or racial identity, group solidarity, racial and ethnic relations, and distribution of resources for education and other societal needs. Contains 27…

Examines literary works by first-generation Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans. Reports that each group has been critical in its portrayals of the other, especially when some direct interaction between the two groups is depicted. Asserts that this literature has shown how ethnocentrism has divided the Chinese in America. (KH)

Examines a dimension of neighboring that need not assume friendship as the role model. When the model assumes only a sense of connectedness as defining neighboring, then the residential correlation, shown in many studies between urbanism and neighboring, disappears. Theories of neighboring, study variables, methods, and analysis are discussed.…

Educational researchers must clarify the distinction between the terms "ethnicity" and "ethnic membership." The use of broad terms based on easily observed traits, such as racial characteristics or language, has infiltrated otherwise well-executed studies and undermined their validity. (PP)

The question of what a national language is good for has been asked and answered many times, and the validity of each answer depends on historical circumstances. Many assume that there is a direct relationship between language and nation. Leibniz argued in 1683, at a time when bilingualism was socially stratifying, that nation and language…

Conflict and cohesion among different generations of Polish Americans are discussed in this research review. First, demographic figures related to Polish immigration to the U.S. are presented, and the age structure of the present Polish American population is described. It is posited, based on this demographic information, that Polish American…

Describes three models of ethnic identity development, with particular focus on their significance for understanding the socialization and self-concepts of Black children. Considers implications for educational reform and suggests the models provide useful frameworks for making better decisions about when educators should introduce materials about…

This paper examines the complex relationship between black adolescents' ethnic identity, school performance, and the effect of the larger social structure on the interaction of these phenomena by reference to the concept of racelessness. This concept captures the endemic tensions and conflicts experienced by black Americans as they seek to define…

This paper reviews the research and theories on ethnic identity development, and draws some implications from these ideas for improving curriculum design for, and instructional effectiveness with, ethnically different students, especially Black Americans. The paradigm of "the developmental stages of ethnic identity transformation"…