Critical Multidimensional Identity

Development Theory Proposal

By: Isaiah Lunsford
Agenda
Topics Covered
Theory Introduction
Background Literature
Gaps in Theory &
Literature
Theory Proposal
 Theory Introduction
Social identity development theory is relatively new in
social sciences
New perspectives on inequality and inequity have gained
traction in 3rd wave identity development theory
Dominant power structures still benefit privileged
students, specifically White privilege
combined components of Abes, Jones, and McEwen's
MMDI and Baxter-Magolda’s Self Authorship, with an
emphasis on critical paradigms
Background Literature
Abes et al. (2007) represents the
multidimensional nature of identity
Considers identity construction fluid and
dynamic; subject to time and context at a
particular moment
Represented as a 2D atom with a core self and
circling identities whose distance from the
core shows their salience
Newest MMDI iteration by Abes et al. (2007)
incorporates a meaning making filter; filters
experiences into identity, complexity of
meaning making changes permeability of filter (Bettencourt,2020, p. 157)
Background Literature Cont.
Baxter-Magolda’s (2001) self-
authorship theory
Baxter Magolda (2008) defines self-
authorship as "the internal capacity to
define one's beliefs, identity, and social
relations" (p.269)
Set up as four phases that depend on
time and context when developing a
sense of self
four phases:following formulas,
crossroads, becoming the author of
(Who Are You?, 2011)
one’s life, and internal foundation
(Patton et al., 2016)
Gaps in Theory & Literature
MMDI is still relevant as a proto-third wave model that
away from white male students as the research focus
(Perez, 2019)
Limited sample of 10 female students; does not consider
simultaneous privilege and oppression due to multiple
identities(Brown & Craig, 2020)
Self Authorship Theory had a limited, predominantly white
population
Constructivist paradigm does not consider the importance
of power, privilege and oppression (Perez, 2019)
Theory Proposal
Theory Proposal Cont.
Critical Self Authorship Model
1. Following Dominant Formulas
2. Awareness of Privilege
3. Becoming critical of one’s privilege
4. Internal Critical Foundation
Fluid and Dynamic Ongoing process
 Conclusion
Social identity construction is not in a bubble
MMDI and Self Authorship begin to address time
and context, but not privilege and oppression
Privileged students must become aware and
deconstruct their privilege
The Model-Theory relationship would benefit from
a large sample size and diverse identity
representation in future research
 References
Abes, E. S., Jones, S. R., & McEwen, M. K. (2007). Reconceptualizing the model of multiple dimensions of identity: The
role of meaning-making capacity in the construction of multiple identities. Journal of College Student Development, 48(1),
1-22. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2007.0000
Baxter Magolda, M. B. (2008). Three elements of self-authorship. Journal of College Student Development, 49(4), 269-
284. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.0.0016
Bettencourt, G. M. (2020). “When I think about working class, I think about people that work for what they have”: How
working-class students engage in meaning making about their social class identity. Journal of College Student Development,
61(2), 154-170. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2020.0015
Brown, R. M., & Craig, M. A. (2020). Intergroup inequality heightens reports of discrimination along alternative identity
dimensions. Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(6), 869-884. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167219880186
Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M., & Quaye, S. J. (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research, and
practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Perez, R. J. (2019). Paradigmatic perspectives and self-authorship: Implications for theory, research, and praxis. Journal of
College Student Development, 60(1), 70-84. https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2019.0004
Who Are You? Self Authorship Defined. (2011, April 24). https://imjoeboe.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/self-authorship/

Thank you for your time!

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