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Racial Narratives
A peak at U.S. history reveals that race definitions have consistently changed over time, with some ideas evolving and others remaining the same. In this project, I analyzed the experience of students within racial groups, evaluating the themes, patterns, and trends in their stories. Results illustrate how old ideas about race (racial narratives) have persisted across generations, despite ongoing efforts to redefine them.
Details
Role
Mixed Methods Researcher
Tools
Microsoft Excel, US Census Bureau Website
Background
Objective
My goal was to analyze how students' current views on race in 2019 mirror historical patterns and narratives.
Approach
I conducted this research in 3 phases: I collected data, analyzed the material, and provided recommendations.
First, I analyzed the race question from the US Census, highlighting definitions of race throughout history. Then, I asked people to describe their personal experiences with race in the 21st century. Finally, I cross-examined the two datasets, looking for trends, patterns, and differences.
Secondary Research
The Race Question
Using the Census database, I took note of all major changes made to the race question between 1920 and 2010.
Race Throughout History
I identified the unique themes and concepts used to redefine the race question, using content analysis. Findings show that race became a complex aspect of identity, influenced by cultural background, personal experiences, and sociopolitical factors, after a long period of recognizing race as an unchanging marker of social status. ​
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Race was based on civil rights status, blood quantum laws, and migration patterns, all of which were powerful ideas in American society.
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Earlier versions of the Census described race as mutually exclusive (single category) and monolithic (all the same).
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Later versions of the Census introduced the idea of race as self-determined and mixed.
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The ability to choose more than one race in the Census (2000-2010) marked a significant shift in how race was identified and perceived.
Primary Research
Interrogating The Public
After outlining the definitions of race, I conducted an in-person survey where I asked 48 students to describe their experiences navigating racial groups in the United States.
Race in the 21st Century
I summarized the survey responses and coded them based on theme. Overall, respondents said they experienced social isolation in racial groups because they did not fit into a single box; and the only way to be accepted was by sacrificing self-expression. In some cases, respondents believed that limiting self-expression in the name of acceptance was the right thing to do. ​
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Respondents were socially included in groups if they conformed to norms but excluded if they violated them.
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Respondents followed group norms by surface acting (faking a particular emotion or mood) or code-switching (copying the behavior of the group).
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Respondents felt trapped by strict rules.
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Despite their negative experiences, respondents believed that individuals should have similar characteristics to be accepted in a racial group.
Comparative Analysis
Contextualizing Race
Once I gathered enough data to make sense of the present racial climate, I conducted a comparative analysis where I looked for themes and patterns in the survey data and census material.
Conclusion
Findings
Although race definitions have undergone countless revisions over the last century, it continues to have rigid rules. For example, historical definitions of race were often very specific, leaving little room for ambiguity. As a result, people have continued to expect individuals within the same racial group to conform to certain expectations, enforcing sanctions for violating them. According to respondents, failing to look, speak, or act like others in a racial group led to social isolation. Moreover, some respondents internalized these expectations and adopted them as their own worldview, latching onto outdated definitions of race.
Key Takeaways
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Restrictive definitions of race are harmful to society.
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Racist ideas from the past continue to influence belief systems in the present.
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​Social exclusion can result in dissatisfaction, poor performance, and undesirable mental health outcomes for individuals.
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Inclusivity can help break down barriers, promote understanding, and find common ground between in- and out- groups.
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