Selectively Racialized, Selectively Politicized? Politicized Ethnic Identity Among Second Generation Iranian Americans

• In Event: 174 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 08. Negotiating Racial and Ethnic Identities

Abstract

What activates ethnic political consciousness? Many studies find a correlation between ethnic identity and political participation, however few studies examine the mechanisms that initially activate ethnic political consciousness. In this study I examine the factors that contribute to the formation of a politicized ethnic identity, which Sears (2003) defines as both placing oneself in a particular social category and adopting a politicized group consciousness. Based on the results of in-depth interviews with 1.5 and second generation Iranian Americans between the ages of 20-35, I argue there are two main mechanisms that correlate with the activation of politicized ethnic identity. The first is a personal experience with racial discrimination, which is consistent with the theory of reactive ethnicity. However, I extend the theory of reactive ethnicity by focusing on how perceived discrimination of other group members can activate a politicized identity, particularly for group members who pass for white and do not experience discrimination as a result. These individuals have a reactive ethnic option which only some choose to assert. Further, I argue that a strong connection to ones’ family immigration narrative can politicize an individual even in the absence of a negative personal discrimination experience. I draw upon the words of my participants to demonstrate how in some cases, the absence of these mechanisms leads to a non-politicized outcome. The findings point toward a need to broaden current understandings of identity to see what other factors lead to politicization, and possible mobilization, among ethnic groups.

Author

• Sheefteh Khalili, University of California-Irvine