White/Minority Multiraciality: An Exploration of Sociopolitical Consciousness Development

White/Minority Multiraciality: An Exploration of Sociopolitical Consciousness Development

California State University, Sacramento
Spring 2009
118 pages

Melody Marie Antillon Hazzard

Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento

There is contention in multiracial studies as to whether multiracial people perpetuate or challenge the current racial hierarchy. This study explores the sociopolitical consciousness of white/minority multiracial people. The themes explored are the connection between the personal and the political, and the positive and negative impacts of passing on dominant culture identification and worldview. Participants had ambivalent attitudes regarding personal attitudes about racial identity and their relationship to the sociopolitical issues. Exploration into the issue of passing suggests that there are new ways to think about the concept. Also included are a discussion about the implications for practice and suggestions for further research.

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • 1. THE PROBLEM
    • Introduction
    • Background of the Problem
    • Statement of the Research Problem
    • Purpose of the Study
    • Theoretical Framework
    • Definition of Terms
    • Assumptions
    • Justification
    • Limitations
  • 2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
    • Introduction
    • The Sociopolitical History of Multiracial Individuals in the United States
    • Multiracial Identity Politics, Critical Race Theory, and Current Events
    • The Current State of Whiteness
    • Psychosocial Concerns and Realities of Multiracial Individuals
    • Summary
  • 3. METHODOLOGY
    • Introduction
    • Research Question
    • Research Design
    • Study Participants
    • Sample Population
    • Instrumentation
    • Data Gathering Procedures
    • Data Analysis
    • Protection of Human Subjects
    • Summary
  • 4. DATA ANALYSIS
    • Introduction
    • Ambivalent Attitudes
    • Positive Effects of Passing on Dominant Culture Identification and Worldview
    • Negative Effects of Passing on Dominant Culture Identification and Worldview
    • Summary
  • 5. CONCLUSIONS
    • Conclusions
    • Recommendations
    • Limitations
    • Implications for Social Work Practice and Policy
    • Conclusion
  • Appendix A. Interview Questions
  • Appendix B. Consent to Participate as a Research Subject
  • References

Read the entire thesis here.

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