Identity form matters: white racial identity and inter-group relations

Previous research has drawn mixed conclusions regarding the relationship between White racial identity and inter-group attitudes. Building upon research by Perry (2002) and Knowles and Peng (2005), we propose that a multidimensional model of White racial identity accounting for both identity strength and form is necessary to predict inter-group attitudes. In Study 1, White participants were categorized as exhibiting different White identity forms. Power-cognizant identity was associated with more positive inter-group attitudes than Post-cultural identity, despite equivalent identity strength. In Study 2, among White participants, belief in White privilege moderated the relationship between identity strength and inter-group attitudes. The findings support the multidimensional model and suggest that, for some Whites, a strong racial identity may lead to positive inter-group attitudes.