User:ElenieAnteneh/sandbox

Ethnic-racial socialization
Ethnic-racial socialization refers to the transfer of knowledge about various aspects of race and/ or ethnicity through generations. Parents of color use ethnic-racial socialization to transfer cultural knowledge to their children in order to protect their children from potential biases they may face as a result of their ethnicity and/or race. However, how parents choose to socialize with their children regarding issues of ethnicity and race affect children differently. For example, higher self-esteem is shown in children of color when positive aspects of their race/ethnicity are the focus of their socialization. On the other hand, if the focus of socialization mainly revolves around mistrust about interracial or inter-ethnic relations, children’s self-concept, or how children view themselves might suffer. Promotion of socialization that centers on mistrust is especially most harmful when it is presented without positive coping skills.

Wang et al. (2020) conducted a meta-analysis review of 334 articles about the effects of ethnic-racial socialization on children of color’s psychosocial adjustment. At what stage of children’s development the effects of ethnic-racial socialization would be most prominent was also discussed. Research findings show a positive relationship between parental ethnic-racial socialization and psychosocial well-being measures, including self-perception, confidence, and interpersonal relationships.

The effects of age varied based on the psychosocial well-being measure. Results showed positive self-perception as a result of ethnic-racial socialization was most effective in childhood and early adolescence. On the other hand, positive relationships between interpersonal relationships and ethnic-racial socialization were more prominent in middle to late adolescence. The effects of ethnic-racial socialization also varied based on the race/ethnicity in question. Self-perception and ethnic-racial socialization are related more positively among African Americans. Suggesting that ethnic-racial socialization is used to buffer against the deep-rooted stigma and biases African Americans in the United States face. Contrary to African Americans, ethnic-racial socialization was related to low self-perception among Asian Americans. Extensive research is required to better understand the connection of ethnic-racial socialization to Asian American children’s psychosocial well-being.

In order to better understand the effects of ethnic-racial socialization and psychological development, research should take into account known moderating factors similar to stereotype threat. It is important to note that the research findings were correlational and as such does not imply causality.