BIRACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

A significant problem in the field of minority research is that people of mixed-backgrounds have been ignored. In the available literature on the biracial population, the focus has been on individuals of African and European ancestry, neglecting those of other backgrounds. The biracial population has unique circumstances and special needs. This book explores the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and the impact of racial identity development on their social and psychological well-being through a narrative format. Literature surrounding biracial identity development, racial socialization, and bicultural identity are reviewed. The relevance of narratives in the field of academia and the link to social work practice is also explored. The narrative depicts the life of a biracial immigrant traveling across the world in search of the "American Dream" and how the challenges she faced led her to a career in social work. The author desires that her story will help social workers better understand the challenges faced by mixed-race people to ensure that the needs of this population will be attended to.