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Development-ally focused: a review and reconceptualization of ally identity development

Larry Martinez (Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA)
Isaac Sabat (Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA)
Enrica Ruggs (University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA)
Kelly Hamilton (Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA)
Mindy Bergman (Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, USA)
Kelly Dray (PricewaterhouseCoopers International Ltd, Houston, Texas, USA)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISSN: 2040-7149

Article publication date: 12 September 2023

Issue publication date: 15 January 2024

461

Abstract

Purpose

Although allies have been shown to be effective at helping to ignite positive change for marginalized groups, the literature on ally identity development is fragmented.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw from developmental, contextual, and identity theories to review the existing literature and focus squarely on the ally experience, resulting in a synthesized process-based conceptualization of ally identity development.

Findings

At each stage, we discuss intrapersonal experiences individuals are likely to have internally, interpersonal experiences that are likely to occur with others, and catalysts for progression to subsequent stages. In doing so, we outline the multilevel factors that influence and are influenced by ally development in hopes of identifying what motivates or dissuades individuals from becoming more active allies.

Originality/value

We provide practitioners and scholars with a deeper understanding of the organizational and societal benefits associated with allyship behaviors, as well as tools for increasing their presence within organizations.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Portions of this research were supported by the Grant # T03OH008435 awarded to Portland State University, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH, CDC or HHS.

Citation

Martinez, L., Sabat, I., Ruggs, E., Hamilton, K., Bergman, M. and Dray, K. (2024), "Development-ally focused: a review and reconceptualization of ally identity development", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 114-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-10-2022-0284

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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