Identity in heterogeneous socio-cultural contexts: Implications of the Native American master narrative

Abstract

This interdisciplinary conceptual study discusses significant implications for psychological functioning of the heterogeneous historically based socio-cultural contexts that are intrinsic to different societies and cultures. Promoting deeper inquiry into the complexity of diversity viewed as a resource, this article elucidates its propositions by examples using observable circumstances concerning various populations, previous literature relevant to the topic, and selected findings from research conducted with 40 Native American academics. In particular, this article contributes novel insights concerning the importance for identity construction and experiencing of the fact that the status of Native American tribal nations is politically and legally unique, and their situation historically and socio-culturally in many regards different from that of ethnic minority populations. Correspondingly, master narratives that fundamentally favor either full inclusion into the dominant society or the idea of tribal sovereignty and self-determination seem to facilitate distinct ways of construction and experiencing of qualitatively different identities. Some of these are conducive to constructive interpretation, integration, and coping within mutually incongruent socio-cultural contexts. Master narratives that carry such potential under adverse circumstances constitute an important asset within the contemporary ever more diverse, yet interconnected societies.

Youth identity and postsecondary decision making in a rural state: evidence of a College for All master narrative

“…Our choice to interview individuals occupying positions of influence in the youth postsecondary policy space was based on their institutional proximity, but not on the assumption that they had greater visibility of the CFA master narrative than, for example, youth or families (see Vélez-Agosto et al, 2017). Indeed, the present study corroborates prior research on how master narratives are messaged via concrete institutional policies, practices, and artifacts in multiple settings that facilitate identity formation and guide decision making (Dvorakova, 2022).…”

“…Because master narratives are "repertoires of behaviour and identity … shared artefacts, of historical origin and their content is social, political and cultural" (Esteban-Guitart, 2012), they are not "stored" exclusively in episodic memories or personal biographies; they are also "embedded in families, communities, institutions, social classes, and the power structures of society" (McAdams, 2022). For example, Dvorakova (2022) illustrated how contrasting Native American ideals of assimilation and selfdetermination are enshrined in public policies and serve as a basis for both legal entitlements and personal identification. Bergen (2010) argued that normative expectations about proper domestic arragements are violated when spouses live apart for periods of time, requiring "commuter wives" to provide extended justifications when queried about their marriages.…”