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Exploring Variation in the M oroccan‐ D utch Collective Narrative: An Intersectional Approach
Author(s) -
Prins Jacomijne,
Polletta Francesca,
Stekelenburg Jacquelien,
Klandermans Bert
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
political psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.419
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1467-9221
pISSN - 0162-895X
DOI - 10.1111/pops.12169
Subject(s) - ethnic group , narrative , intersectionality , collective identity , social psychology , identity (music) , psychology , gender studies , sociology , variation (astronomy) , social identity theory , focus group , identity formation , social group , self concept , political science , politics , physics , linguistics , philosophy , anthropology , acoustics , astrophysics , law
Collective identities are constructed and negotiated in interaction. The dynamics of collective identity construction in the interactions of group members, however, remain understudied. Taking into consideration public discourses of ethnicity and religion in the N etherlands, in this article we explore the uses of narrative in intragroup identity construction among M oroccan‐ D utch young adults. In line with theories of intersectionality, we expected intragroup identity construction to be influenced by the specific location of participants in a matrix of intersecting identity categories. Narratives were elicited in focus groups that varied by gender and by the educational level of the participants. We compared the content and import of stories in each group. We found that participants across groups told similar stories in which they referred to the treatment of their group at a societal level. However, we also found that the intersection of ethnicity, gender, and level of educational attainment influenced the way our participants narrated their everyday experiences, and, in particular, their relations with native Dutch neighbors, fellow students, and coworkers. An intersectional analysis shows how, faced with negative stereotypes regarding their ethnic and religious background, M oroccan‐ D utch young adults variously accept, reject, and act in relation to those stereotypes.