Invisible boundaries in the construction of ethnic identity: A systemic development perspective

Abstract

The study of the construction of an ethnic identity is the central theme in the research carried out by Haan and Leander (2011). They analyze the dialogical relationships that occur in social spaces, which serve as mediators for forging the identity of children and young people. Analysis allows them to characterize the social representations and patterns, which provide information on the personal positions (and counter-positions) constructed among different ethnic groups. However, we, being situated in the systemic perspective of development, offer a route which does not oppose the proposals of the authors, but on the contrary, we consider that it could be complementary for the understanding of this phenomenon, since we assume that the development of each person is open by nature and that it is in constant interaction with other systems (family, academic, social and cultural). This interaction generated its own dynamics which makes new forms of organization possible and contributes to the construction of identity. We support our reflections with cases of Latin American students who recount situations related to the construction of identity. Our conclusions are directed towards recognizing that this phenomenon is complex and requires analysis from different points of view, which contributes to its understanding.

Keywords

construction of identity culture development dynamical systems social representations

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