Multiple Dimensions of Racial Group Identification Among Adult Black Americans

Although increasing attention has been brought to examining group identity among Black adults, we know little about reference groups within the overall racial group category. Using National Study of Black America data for 2,107 respondents, the present study highlighted various components of group identification among adult Black Americans. Structural equation modeling revealed three dimensions to identity (masses, elites, and rebels) variously associated with a set of sociodemographic and residential variables. Respondents who were older, married, less educated, and living in the South and in rural areas were most likely to identify with the masses. Olde, rural, less educated, and married people also felt close to elites, as did those with low incomes. Finally, the young, males, those with low incomes, and not from the South felt close to rebels. The results support describing at least three reference groups within what is typically called Black group identity.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67631/2/10.1177_00957984970233010.pd