Sources of self-categorization as minority for mixed race individuals

Sources of Self-Categorization 2AbstractMultiracial individuals are in the unique position of being able to categorize themselvesas members of multiple racial groups. Drawing on self-categorization theory, we suggest thatsimilarity to the minority ingroup depends upon self-perceptions of physical appearance andconnectedness to the minority ingroup. Moreover, we argue that similarity to the ingroupdetermines self-categorization as minority, which predicts category-based entitlements such asperceived eligibility for minority resources (e.g., affirmative action). Using path analysis, wefound support for this model on a convenience sample of 107 mixed race minority-Whiteparticipants. The results suggest that affective processes rather than observable characteristicssuch as prototypical physical appearance better predict self-categorization among mixed-raceindividuals.Abstract word count = 109Key words: multiracial, mixed race, racial identity, prototypicality, minority appearance,minority connectedness, self-categorization, affirmative actionFull text word count (excluding references, tables, and figures) = 4,901