Lack of racial identity

A racial group, however distinct, can find itself lacking a racial identity if forced to assimilate with another, or if cut off from its cultural heritage for a long period. Such a group does not accept its national status as being identical with its racial status. A search for a racial identity elsewhere may result, and may be the cause of racial conflict. An inability to identify with racial and ethnic origins may lead to frustration.

Lack of racial identity occurs wherever there has been immigration of a group substantial enough to form a sub-group in society. The longer this group is away from its homeland, the larger the cultural gap between it and its origins. It may not be integrated into the society where it is living because of discrimination or segregation, or it may be assimilated into the society but be aware of its difference. The problem is particularly acute where coloured immigrants are concerned. Difficulty in relating to racial or ethnic origins is increased by the change in economic capacity which usually follows immigration from an underprivileged area to an industrialized area.