Adolescents' identification with the national group: The case of the Mauritian "rainbow" nation

Adolescents' identification with the national and ethnic categories was investigated within the multiethnic context of Mauritius. A sample of 202 subjects (107 girls, 95 boys) in age group of 12-16 years answered the self-report questionnaire. The study aimed to (a) assess the nature of national identity along cognitive, affective and evaluative lines, (b) investigate whether there were links between national and ethnic identities, and (c) explore ethnic, sex and age differences in national identity. Results revealed only sex differences on the dimensions of national identity, with boys reporting higher levels of national identity than girls. There was a significant positive correlation between identification with the national category and identification with the ethnic category. The results were discussed in terms of nested identities, the peculiarities of the social context, and social representations theory.