Black Identity

CROSS AND FHAGEN SMITH’S MODEL OF BLACK IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
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#3. Cross and Fhagen-Smith’s model of black identity development
Evolution of black identity has been widely discussed through various models. Cross and Fhagen-Smith developed a model which provided multiple sectors for an understanding of the nigrescence theory which critically provided knowledge to overall human development. Since development process is traced throughout individual’s life, the sectors factored in various dimensions that contributed to black identity development in life.
The first sector of the model described identity development process during an early stage in life, that is, infancy and childhood (Patton, Renn, Guido & Quaye, 2016). Cross and Fhagen analyzed factors such as income, traditions and practices and their impacts on child’s socialization and awareness with the outside world. The second sector of their model aimed to build an understanding of identity development during preadolescence and the role of the parents in teaching in enforcing and alignment towards black identity. Through parents’ negativity in socialization and relationship ties with the close neighbors, children develop self-concepts that develop to self-hatred to stereotyping black affiliates.
Adolescence was categorized in the third sector of black identity (Patton, Renn, Guido & Quaye, 2016). They argued that during this stage of development, many children as they enter adulthood become aware of their environment because of individual autonomy.

This enables them to become aware of their black identity. The self-concepts that they had been introduced to at preadolescent stage are reinforced. The fourth sector focused on identity formation during the early adulthood stage. Since adulthood enables one to develop a sense of recognition and develop various interests fully. Black adults develop orientation and alignment to values and beliefs on black culture hence generates more interest on black issues affairs.
The fifth sector described the development process of black identity in adults (Nigrescence) through its various stages. These stages of identity included pre-encounter, encounter, immersion, and internalization. This sector model provides insights under which socialization and interaction of black students are understood on. Development of black identity among students in school can be understood and viewed as a simultaneous process of which its understanding can benefit interaction and integration of various racial divides in a school setting.
Reference
Patton, D. L, Renn, K. A., Guido, M. F. & Quaye, J. K. (2016). Student Development In College: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York, NY: Jossey-Bass.