Which term describes individuals' sense of belonging to an ethnic group?

• A. Ethnic identity
• B. Acculturation
• C. Feminist Identity Development
• D. Racism

Answer: (A)

This question tests ethnic identity, the sense of belonging to an ethnic group. Ethnic identity involves how strongly someone identifies with a particular ethnicity, including shared culture, language, traditions, history, and a sense of pride in that heritage. It shapes how individuals view themselves within a cultural context and how they relate to others who share that background. Acculturation refers to adopting the norms and values of another culture, which is a process of adaptation rather than the inherent sense of belonging to one’s own group. Feminist identity development focuses on developing a feminist self-concept, not ethnicity, and racism involves prejudice or discrimination based on race, not the personal sense of group belonging. Because the question centers on that personal sense of belonging to an ethnic group, ethnic identity is the best fit.