Identification Patterns among Black Students at a Predominantly White University

Abstract

The ‘dialectical theory of reactive identification and cultural in-betweenity’ proposed by the Somali psychologist Bulhan, outlines three main identification patterns among the black intelligentsia: ‘capitulation’ to the dominant culture and ideology, ‘revitalisation’ of traditional culture, and ‘radicalisation’ of both so as to arrive at a new and higher synthesis. Three scales (developed by Bulhan, 1980) corresponding to each identification pattern was administered to a group of 66 black students at the University of the Witwatersrand. Rotter's Locus of Control Scale was also administered so as to determine the relationship between the different identification patterns and locus of control. Specific hypotheses were tested, with some being confirmed and some being refuted by means of various psychological instruments. The ‘dialectical theory of reactive identification/cultural in-betweenity’ and the empirical findings are discussed in terms of their applicability to South Africa.

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