Which concept refers to an individual’s identification with a specific racial or ethnic group?

The concept of identification with a specific racial or ethnic group is most accurately captured by racial/ethnic identity. This term encompasses how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others based on their race or ethnicity. It involves the significance that these attributes hold in an individual’s life, influencing their experiences, perspectives, and connections to community, culture, and heritage.

Racial/ethnic identity plays a critical role in shaping a person’s self-concept and can influence various aspects of their life, including social interactions, access to resources, and experiences of discrimination or privilege. This concept is distinct from social identity, cultural identity, and personal identity, which may include broader or different aspects of an individual's identity beyond race or ethnicity.

In summary, racial/ethnic identity specifically zeroes in on the component of a person's identity linked to their racial and ethnic affiliations, setting it apart as the most relevant term in this context.