Identity and Dynamics Among Multi-Racial and Multi-Ethnic Youth

Around the globe, a greater tendency toward heterogamous marriage, transnational marriage, and transracial adoption has resulted in a corresponding increase in the number of multiracial and multiethnic youth. For these young people, issues of identity and cultural affiliation are often challenging and difficult to navigate. Multiracial and multiethnic youth frequently feel pressured to “fit in” with their peers, and may feel pressured to be more like them. Within their home, such youth may experience difficulty in their relationships with parents. In many societies, cultural biases and prejudices remain, and frequently create additional difficulties for multiracial and multiethnic youth. With racial and ethnic identity remaining as salient elements in the lives of youth, it is essential that greater research attention be focused upon multiracial and multiethnic youth.

This session seeks a broad examination of multiracial and multiethnic youth. We welcome theoretical, conceptual, and methodological submissions from all orientations. Submissions should address topics such as the following: children’s racial and ethnic identity; cultural socialization within multiracial and multiethnic families; prejudice and discrimination; transracial adoption; sibling relationships; demographic change; marginalization; relationship dynamics with extended kin; parent-youth relationships; peer dynamics and relationships; community integration; interweave of race, identity, and sexual orientation; language choice; mental health and well-being among multiracial and multiethnic youth; transnational identity; educational experiences; and mono-identity versus multi-identity; among others.