White Racial Identity Attitude Theories

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the White racial consciousness model (Rowe, Bennettu & Atkinson, 1994)J which has been proposed as a superior conceptualization for understanding White racial attitudes than existing frameworks, specifically Helms's (1990) theory of White racial identity attitudes. Rowe et al. (1994) have argued for the superiority of the White racial consciousness model because it can "describe the phenomena more accurately, predict relationships better, and provide a more stable base for assessment" (p. 133) than Helms's White racial identity attitude theory. This article raises questions as to the validity of these claims. The White racial consciousness model is examined in terms of its similarities and differences to Helms's White racial identity attitude theory, focusing on the two theories in relation to their definition of core constructs, theoretical basis, and the existing empirical evidence.