Ethnic identity, self-esteem, and occupational aspirations of Indian and Anglo-Saxon British adolescents.

Examined subjective belief structures and adolescent adjustment among 56 Indian and 349 Anglo-Saxon British male and female students. The relationship between the variables examined and differences between the 4 groups were consistent with predictions derived from the social identity approach to intergroup relations and group behavior described by H. Tajfel and J. C. Turner (1979). Indian males possessed a social mobility belief structure that mediated high occupational aspirations and keenness to marry out of their ethnic group. Indian females possessed a social change belief structure associated with acceptance of the status quo and lower aspirations. Males and Anglo-Saxons reported higher self-esteem than females or Indians.