Question

How might the developmental theorist James Marcia describe Rachel's ethnic identity formation?

a. Rachel is in a state of diffusion, in which she has failed to embark on a serious exploration of her ethnic identity.
b. Rachel is in foreclosure, a state of committing to a vision of her ethnicity established for her by her parents.
c. Rachel spent several years in identity achievement, embracing clear commitments to her ethnic identity, before entering foreclosure, the condition of committing to particular ideals and ways of life established for her by her parents.
d. Rachel went through a period of moratorium, in which she actively searched for the meaning of her ethnic

Answer 1

James Marcia would describe Rachel's ethnic identity formation as one of his four identity statuses: diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, or identity achievement, depending on her level of exploration and commitment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Developmental theorist James Marcia would likely describe Rachel's ethnic identity formation in terms of his four identity statuses. If Rachel has not seriously explored her ethnic identity and has yet to make any commitments, Marcia might say she is in a state of identity diffusion. Identity diffusion is typically characterized by a lack of both exploration and commitment. Alternatively, if Rachel has adopted an ethnic identity provided by her parents without exploring other options, Marcia would classify this as foreclosure, which is the acceptance of an identity without personal exploration of alternatives.

In the scenario where Rachel embraced her ethnic identity after a period of exploration and decision-making, Marcia would designate this status as identity achievement. Finally, if Rachel is actively exploring and trying to understand the meaning of her ethnic identity, she is said to be in a moratorium, which is a period of exploration without having reached a commitment.