Identity and academic success among underrepresented ethnic minorities: An interdisciplinary review and integration

Moin Syed, Margarita Azmitia, Catherine R. Cooper

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

156 Scopus citations

Abstract

A growing body of literature provides insight into the ingredients for academic success for underrepresented ethnic minority students at all points of the academic pipeline. Theory and research in developmental and social psychology, education, and sociology all point to the important role of identity for students' academic success. The purpose of this article is to review some of the major findings across these social science disciplines to identify points of synergy that can inform effective policy recommendations. The review is structured around three points of convergence across disciplines: (1) prejudice and stereotype threat; (2) the role of social support; and (3) the availability of options for identity development. Reviewing these three topics sheds light on how the relation between identity and academic success must be understood on individual, relational, and institutional levels of analysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)442-468
Number of pages27
JournalJournal of Social Issues
Volume67
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2011

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