Human Growth and Development / Unit 10 HGD 1371 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Cross's Nigrescence Model
The idea
Cross's nigrescence model describes Black identity development in four stages. Pre-encounter: internalizing the majority culture's views. Encounter: an event, often discriminatory, that forces a rethink. Immersion and emersion: turning toward Black culture, building what Cross called cultural armour. Internalization: a secure identity, comfort with allies, and action for justice.
In practice
A teen who had downplayed his heritage, then, after being followed by a store guard, joining a Black student union and later mentoring younger students.
Where people slip
Stage models of ethnic-racial identity are descriptive, not universal: they sketch common paths, and not everyone follows them in order. Other models describe Latino, Asian American, American Indian and biracial identity, each attributed to its authors. For the exam, know the order of Cross's stages and that an encounter usually triggers change.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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