Ethnic Self-Identity: A Comparison of Ingroup Evaluations

The purpose of this study is to define and explain various expressions of ethnicity by the use of an inventory designed to measure degrees of self-identity with respect to ingroup affirmation, ingroup denial, ideal self-identity, and real self-identity. A comparision of seven Winnipeg ethnic groups in relation to these factors indicated strong ingroup affirmation among the French and the Jews and a low degree of ingroup affirmation among British. Scandinavian and Polish groups. French and Jewish institutional completeness seemed to be mainly responsible for the groups' strong ethnic identification and solidarity. High social status and identification with dominant charter groups appeared to be responsible for the low degree of ethnic denial found among British, Scandinavian and French groups. The results supported Lewin's thesis that individuals need a firm clear sense of identification with an ethnic or majority culture in order to find a secure basis for a sense of well-being.