Lavender-Bratcher, D. J. (2013). Biracial Alaska Native-African American adults: Examining the racial socialization process that impacts identity formation (Doctoral dissertation, Capella University).

Abstract

Racial socialization transmits verbal and nonverbal messages regarding the significance of the meaning of race that can enhance or negatively affect identity formation. This generic qualitative study described and gave understanding to the racial socialization process that impacted the identity formation of biracial adults who self-identified as both Alaska Native and African American. The unique amalgamation between Alaska Native and African American is an excellent opportunity to understand the racial socialization process by examining the domains of parental and family support, microaggressions, value orientation, and spirituality. This generic qualitative study used content analysis to discover, describe and understand the racial socialization experience of biracial Alaska Native-African American adult individuals. A purposive sample was obtained by networking with Alaska Native and African American organizations in Anchorage, Alaska. Data analysis consisted of open coding that used hand-coding to uncover themes. The computer software program NVivo10 was used to assist in organizing the data. The study adds to the knowledge base regarding racial socialization of biracial individuals and their experience with microaggressions. The study also adds to the knowledge base regarding microaggressions and biracial adults.