Re: On a symposium of ISCRAT

Jaime Phillip Munoz (munoz who-is-at duq3.cc.duq.edu)
Wed, 19 Nov 1997 10:20:45 -0800 (PST)

Pedro,

I can't help you with the ISCRAT conference, but I am interested in your
work. I am very much interested in the models that attempt to define the
reasons for academic success/failure of minorities. Most models I have
read, and I am very much a novice in the field, have not addressed
individual psychological functioning. For example, Ogbu's social forces
theory and his taxonomy of minority groups seems to root causality so much
in the external environment that the individual fades and becomes seemingly
insignificant. Moll and Diaz have provided some great studies demostrating
the strength of cultural discontinuity models, but their techniques are not
always successful for all situations or individuals. I am most interested
in what the individual brings to the equation. I believe that a strong
ethnic identity may act as an anchor to help stabilize one's sense of self.
I als o believe a strong ethnic identity may serve as a protective factor
that, in combination with external factors, which I won't claim to be able
to identify at this time, serves to help a minority student successfully
negotiate the educational environment. I'll admit my ideas are quite fuzzy
right now, but I'd love to know your thoughts.

Jaime

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"Tell me who you run with and I'll tell you who you are" Simonita Valdivia
(my grandmother, to me, usually when I was getting into trouble)
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>A Cultural-Historical Approach to Identity Formation: Re-examining
>Erikson's Model and Cultural/Ethnic Identity Formation
>
> by
>
>Pedro R. Portes
>University of Louisville
>
>Abstract
>The paper summarizes research on cultural variations in Erikson's
>psychosocial model of identity formation, focusing on the process of ethnic
>identity formation. In addressing the gap left in Erikson's model with
>regard to ethnicity, a perspective is advanced which distinguishes cultural
>from ethnic identity formation and which employs constructs from cultural
>historical theory such as historical analysis, linkages between the
>socio-genetic and microgenetic lines of development and the role of
>mediational tools. The work expands on Wertsch and Penuel's (1995) paper on
>this subject and some of the current sociological theories of ethnicity
>(Stanfield, 1995). In addition, recent data collected from various ethnic
>groups is presented in extending current developmental theory on this subject.
>
>
>Note: The paper is based on a current book (chapter) being presently
>written of the subject of identity formation.
>
>Please let me know if the above will be sufficient to meet the deadline.
>Thank you. prp
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>> The address of the Committee is as follows.
>> Annie Dolmer, ISCRAT 1998, Department of psychology,
>>Asylvej 4, DK-8240 Rissokov . Fax : +45 89424901
>>Email:iscrat98 who-is-at psy.aau.dk
>> Deadline of the paper proposal is 20th November 1997.
>>
>> I will be very glad, if you send me your information
>>also to me by Email. If you will have any question concerning
>>it, please take a contact with me by Email.
>> With best regards,
>> Tokyo, Chuo University
>> K.Amano
>>
>>
>P. R. Portes
>Professor
>Educational & Counseling
>Psychology Dept. 310
>University of Louisville
>KY 40292
>Fax- 502-852-0629
>Of. Tel. 502-852-0630
>
>
>
Jaime Phillip Munoz, MS, OTR
Department of Occupational Therapy
Rangos School of Health Sciences
Duquesne University
227 Health Sciences Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15101
w (412) 396-5950 h (412) 492-9549
fax: (412) 396-4343
e-mail: munoz who-is-at duq3.cc.duq.edu