Action research includes a variety of methods engaged in by practitioners who wish to learn more about their work and the possibility of constructively changing it. This paper describes an action research dissertation project that focused on the work of a group of community activists to construct new understandings of their work and, as a result,…

Multiethnic living is practiced by a growing number of Americans. Some of the issues that research has looked at in this context include identity confusion, child-rearing complications, developing friendships within and across ethnic lines, emotional disturbance, dealing with ethnic heritage, school performance, and need for school services. In…

Discusses historical and recent writings dealing with miscegenation and the social role and significance of mulattoes (individuals with both Black and White ancestors) in American society. (GC)

Summarizes a conference which addressed the needs of children of interracial families. Reports that the lack of support, materials, and information for interracial families was a major concern. Recommends that interracial children be allowed to choose the racial identity they find most comfortable, and presents suggestions for starting a support…

The racial categorization of children has become increasingly important as a measure to ascertain diverse needs among students as well as the appropriate manner by which teachers and other school personnel might respond to such needs through increased awareness and understanding. Multiracial children, the offspring of multiple racial unions, have…

This book describes the transformation in the racial self-identification of Americans who have both an African American and a white parent. Using data from extensive research and interviews, the book examines how the transformation has its roots in the historical and cultural transitions in U.S. society since the civil rights era. Chapter 1,…

Multiracial individuals represent an expanding population of Americas diverse society. Results from Census 2000 showed that of the total 281.4 million people in the United States, 6.8 million of the population indicated their background consisted of more than just one race. Nearly 3 million of respondents within the two or more races population…

The tragic consequence of differentiation between light and dark skinned slaves was the blacks' own acceptance of color distinctions as bases for judging each other's value; many early black writers not only observed, but experienced this color value system. The stratification was of concern to them because it was part of the real situation.…

Examines data on racial identification from the 2000 Census to document the mixed race population of children in the United States. Using California data as an example, the article considers various methods for tabulating multiple-response race data, noting the impact of each on demographic conclusions. Discusses how federal guidelines on race…

The connection between heritage language instruction and self-esteem was investigated for 64 Inuit, 13 white, and 36 mixed-heritage children. Children educated in their heritage language showed an increase in self-esteem after one year, but Inuit and mixed-heritage children educated in a second language did not. (SLD)

Notes that interracial marriages and partnerships are producing increasing number of biracial children who may have special needs related to their ambiguous ethnicity. Presents brief overview of the problem, includes illustrative vignettes, and offers suggestions for counseling interventions with biracial children. (NB)

Compared samples of college students (n=497) with mixed heritage and single heritage to determine whether bicultural socialization had positive or negative effects on personality, adjustment, and intergroup relations. Found no evidence of negative effects; positive effects were found for intergroup contact and attitudes, language facility, and…

Discusses the importance of including interracial storybooks in today's diverse classrooms, explaining the benefits of using such literature (e.g., building a sound personal identity for children with mixed ancestors, promoting knowledge and skills for a global society, and developing an appreciation for diversity). Reviews eight books with…

Expounds on practical implications of racial identity development models for counseling biracial individuals. Briefly reviews ethnic identity development models, conceptualizes the case study, and discusses practice suggestions. Touches on other concepts from the multicultural counseling literature such as bicultural competence and racial and…

Environmental and genetic explanations have been given for Black-White racial differences in intelligence and other traits. In science, viable, alternative hypotheses are ideally given equal Bayesian prior weights; but this has not been true in the study of racial differences. This article advocates testing environmental and genetic hypotheses of…