Identidad étnica, autoestima colectiva, valores y bienestarestudios en Brasil, Argentina, Portugal y Polonia

Résumé

In this empirical research we analyzed the psychosocial processes that reinforce the perception of discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice between the majority groups and those considered subordinated. From the theoretical point of view, a scarce psychosocial work in this field was in evidence in a country such as Brazil. For this reason, of special importance are the questions concerning group belongingness, cultural and linguistic practices, achievement of ethic identity, and the collective (CSE) and personal (PSE) self-esteem as predictive variables of well-being. From the methodological point of view, we used the survey technique through questionnaires and applied a correlational design, considered suitable for both data collection and processing. Through different statistical analyses it was possible to confront the perspectives of different ethnic groups and to respond to the subject in question. In the preliminary study the relationship between cultural values, prejudice and individualistic / collectivistic behavioural pattern in Brazil was investigated. On average, the prejudice among Afro-Brazilians was perceived as low and, thus, it was not confirmed that they perceive a greater bias. In turn, it was found that White Brazilians demonstrated, though slightly, a higher rejection of intimate contact. It confirms that individuals who score higher on egalitarian values or self-transcendence are less prejudiced. Finally, it should be noted that all groups attributed more natural traits to Afro-descendants than to Euro-descendants. However, the opposite was true in relation to cultural traits: either they were ascribed more to Afro-descendants or the difference between ethnic groups was minimal. The results of subsequent studies indicated that the relationship between discrimination and self-esteem was not stronger in Mestizo Argentineans as it was predicted. However, between Afro-descendant and Mestizo Brazilians the relation between discrimination and affectivity was found, probably due to the greater salience of racial discrimination issue in the first group. The correlational study showed that people with higher motivation for success have higher selfesteem. In this case, we found these relations only in Brazil and Portugal. With respect to ethnic identity, the dimension of group membership (CSEmembership) in both countries is positively related to personal selfesteem (PSE). In Poland, probably the country's ethnic homogeneity reflects the lack of relationship between personal self-esteem and the sense of belonging to an ethnic group. In consequence, it was confirmed that personal self-esteem is related to collective self-esteem, particularly in the dimension associated to the perception of social support received from the ingroup. Moreover, the relationship between personal (PSE) and private collective self-esteem (CSEprivate) was found in the case of white Brazilians and Poles. Finally, our research on ethnic identity (EI) and well-being, as much in Brazil as in the two European countries studied, confirmed a relationship between these variables. The higher is the conscience of the EI, the higher mental well-being, less problems concerning health-related quality of life, less depression, and greater happiness. In sum, the EI is a possible source of well-being. Overall, the results of studies showed that the perception of discrimination had become more subtle and discreet. In the same way, these results offer an understanding of one's own or group ethnic belongingness. Finally, the findings on self-esteem and well-being in different aspects and in different ethnic groups supported previous research. Insofar as the groups increase their inter-ethnic contacts, decreases the sensation and / or perception of the threat (intergroup anxiety) and augments the promotion of more positive feelings instead of hostility.