Generalizing Nigrescence Profiles

Abstract

The two studies in this article examine the interpretability and generalizability of nigrescence profiles based on Cross Racial Identity Scale scores across different educational contexts. Study 1 participants ( N = 333) came from a predominantly White institution (PWI) and were grouped into six clusters labeled Afrocentric, multiculturalist, assimilated, immersion, low race salience, and miseducated variant. The two samples in Study 2 consisted of students from PWIs ( N = 314) and from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs; N = 306), respectively. Both PWI and HBCU participants were grouped into five clusters. Four of the six original clusters (assimilated, immersion, low race salience, and miseducated variant) replicated in both samples, and one (multiculturalists) replicated only in the PWI sample. The results indicate that there are generalizable racial identity profiles in the Black population. The authors discuss the implications of the findings.