ABSTRACT
College is a time of substantial identity development for the traditional-aged student. Typically, college students work on developing autonomy, building competence, and forging mature relationships. Women students and students of color face additional identity challenges during this time layered upon that basic developmental work, as they struggle to create their unique and relational identities based on gender and race. This chapter discusses the theoretical models of identity development specific to college women. Through the use of the women’s own voices from two separate studies, examples of identity challenges in action on college campuses will be detailed. Educators are offered recommendations on ways to positively affect the experiences of women students.
