The Identity Choices and Racialized Emotional Work of Second-Generation Black-White Multiracials

• In Event: 3556 - Multiracial Classification/Identity

Abstract

Researchers have consistently argued that identity options are subject to especial constraint for multiracials with black ancestry because they are perceived by others and interacted with primarily as black racial group members resulting from socially imposed notions of hypodescent. However, most literature restricts the definition of multiracial to those with two monoracial parents. To fully assess the legacy of hypodescent and the role of reflected appraisals in constraining the identity choices of multiracials, the second generation of racial mixing needs to be included. I interviewed 30 “second-generation” black-white multiracials, who have one black-white parent and one white parent, on their identity formation. I find these respondents are not excluded from white identification as previous literature on hypodescent and theoretical expectations of reflected appraisals would indicate. Yet, whereas previous studies hypothesize that this may lead to identifying as a white racial group member, I find most multiracials, when given the option, actively contest an identification as white. Still, members of this black-white multiracial group are identify as black less than first-generation multiracials. These findings highlight the need to investigate multiracials of varying generational statuses and draws attention to the important emotion work that takes place is constructing a racial identity.

Author

• Haley Pilgrim, University of Pennsylvania