The Quest for Identity: From Minority Groups to Generation Xers

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Examples groups experiencing profound social problems and proposes possible solutions. There are groups in society that experience profound social problems, and there are others that show signs of a growing social malaise. The problems include massive academic underachievement, family dysfunction, substance misuse, violence, and delinquent behavior. In the United States and Canada, this highly unflattering profile applies to Aboriginal people, African Americans, and certain Hispanic groups. To this list, Taylor adds the ever-growing number of so-called "street kids" that roam inner-city streets, and, finally, to a lesser, but no less frightening extent, he adds what have traditionally symbolized society's most privileged group--young, white men. As Taylor points out these are not the only groups who stand out as noticeably disadvantaged, but they are among the most visible, and due to his research and activities, groups that allow him to test his arguments and offer his proposals for change. Drawing upon his research experience in Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Indonesia, Taylor examines the impact of assimilation, and policies of cultural diversity and multiculturalism on these groups. He offers surprising insights into the causes of group malaise and individual failure, and his conclusions are bound to be of significant interest to scholars, students, and researchers involved with intergroup dynamics and cultural diversity.

Reviews

Taylor has written a brief, important, and highly readable statement about the plight of disadvantaged people in Western society, including aboriginal peoples of Canada (the Inuit and aboriginal Indian), African Americans in the US, Hispanic groups, "street kids," and (surprisingly) young white men....Taylor is able to combine a vigilant scientific methodology with a careful observer's humane understanding of the plight of people about whom he obviously cares deeply. This reviewer believes the richness of his work rests more on this latter ability than on his distinguished scientific skill. Although mildly defensive about this unusual combination in his presentation, he need not be. If anything the author is prophetic in having readers face squarely those aspects of the collective self they would rather hide. Essential. All levels.-Choice
"Taylor has written a brief, important, and highly readable statement about the plight of disadvantaged people in Western society, including aboriginal peoples of Canada (the Inuit and aboriginal Indian), African Americans in the US, Hispanic groups, "street kids," and (surprisingly) young white men....Taylor is able to combine a vigilant scientific methodology with a careful observer's humane understanding of the plight of people about whom he obviously cares deeply. This reviewer believes the richness of his work rests more on this latter ability than on his distinguished scientific skill. Although mildly defensive about this unusual combination in his presentation, he need not be. If anything the author is prophetic in having readers face squarely those aspects of the collective self they would rather hide. Essential. All levels."-Choice

Author Bio

Donald M. Taylor is Professor of Psychology at McGill University. His previous publications include Coping with Cultural and Racial Diversity (Praeger, 1990) and Theories of Intergroup Relations, 2nd editon (Praeger, 1994).