Ethnic Socialization:

The ways in which group membership affects development and the developmental processes by which we acquire the behaviors, perceptions, values, and attitudes of an ethnic group to come to see ourselves and others as members of such groups.

These developmental processes shape our self-concept and play a role in shaping our self-esteem, our attitudes and behavior toward our own and other groups, as well as the way we are evaluated by others.

Understanding of such processes will help us facilitate the personal development and cross-ethnic interactions of those we work with.

Ethnic Group:

Those who conceive of themselves as alike by virtue of their common ancestry, real or fictitious, and who are so regarded by others.

Ethnicity:

More than ancestry, race, religion, or national origin. It patterns our thinking, feelings, and behavior in both obvious and subtle ways.