Explores recent social psychological theorizing on the predicaments of minority identity. A social identity theory, which reveals unjustified assumptions about minority dependence on and conformity with majority values, is contrasted with a conflict perspective in which majority values are the object of both conflict and negotiation. 37…

Describes a study of the relationship between social identity and readiness for social relations in Israeli Jewish and Arab students and in U.S. Black and White students. Both the Israeli Arabs and the U.S. Blacks tend to emphasize their race or nationality more than their civic allegiance. (SED)