Racial identity relates to membership in a racial group and is influenced by attitudes toward which group?

• A. Other racial groups.
• B. The individual's own family.
• C. Applications to college.
• D. Religious affiliations.

Answer: (A)

Racial identity is about feeling a sense of membership in a racial group, and it develops in response to how that group is viewed by others. Attitudes toward other racial groups shape how strongly someone identifies with their own group, because positive or negative views, stereotypes, and discrimination from outside influence signal how valued or threatened the group is in society. This external social perception is the main force shaping racial identity. While family socialization, college processes, or religious affiliations can influence related aspects of identity, they do not primarily determine membership in a racial group in the way attitudes from other racial groups do.