Publication Date

2010

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Racially mixed people, Identity (Psychology), Racially mixed people-Mental health services, Racism-United States, Intersubjectivity, Multiracial, Identity model, Cultural studies, Working with diversity, Oppressed populations, Clinical work with cultural diversity, Biracial individuals

Abstract

This project was conducted with the intentions of broadening the discussion that is occurring in clinical fields regarding the multiracial identity. Much of the discussion that occurs is treated as though racial dynamics are fixed (Leary, 2000). This theoretical paper aims to exemplify the nuance of the multiracial identity by combining clinical theory with a more culturally grounded analysis of racial discourse. Intersubjectivity theory is used in this paper to exemplify the value of using a clinical theory when conceptualizing racial issues, while cultural studies provides a deeper understanding of the system of race in the United States. The use of the intersubjectivity theory and the writings of cultural studies as applied to the phenomenon of the multiracial identity is exemplified through the use of a case study. This paper concludes with a proposal for a set of principles and considerations for practice with multiracial individuals that is rooted in a historically and politically aware, socially based approach to working intersubjectively with multiracial individuals.

Language

English

Comments

i, 73 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2010. Includes bibliographical references (p. 70-73)

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