Mixed (re)views: Multiracials (re)configuring the concept of race

• Main Authors: AUMER-RYAN, Katherine, LI, Norman P., HATFIELD, Elaine
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2007
• Subjects: Multicultural Psychology
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/900
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Multiracials are growing in number in the US and many are choosing to define themselves in new and different ways (Root, 2002). The 2000 Census allowed multiracials to select more than one race for their racial identity, and some may argue (e.g., Holmes, 1997) provided a more accurate picture of the growing number of multiracials in the US. Many multiracials have come to embrace their various racial backgrounds and have created neologisms (Kamiya, 1997) which challenge the validity of preexisting racial categories. In addition, many multiracial individuals experience a type of a “chameleon” effect, where their racial identity is dependent on their social environment (Miville, Constantine, Baysden, & So-Lloyd, 2005). Considering these unique experiences, it is hypothesized that multiracial individuals would conceive of race as a more social-constructivist phenomenon than their monoracial peers. Using survey data and a RACE measure (specifically designed to measure one’s preference for a biological or social concept of race) a sample of 360 students (120 multiracial, 240 monoracial) demonstrated that multiracials do have a more social-constructivist concept of race, while their monoracial peers accept a more biological concept of race. Some differences amongst multiracials and monoracials are noted, depending on the type of race or racial mix. Possible consequences of having these diverging concepts of race are discussed.