Talking with Children About Race: A Review of the Literature
Open Access
Author:
Dunnells, Alexandria C
Area of Honors:
Rehabilitation and Human Services
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Brandon Hunt, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Brandon Hunt, Thesis Honors Advisor Jeffrey A. Hayes, Ph.D., Faculty Reader
Keywords:
children race discussion talking attitudes racism stereotypes prejudice kids
Abstract:
Contrary to popular belief, children begin developing ideas and attitudes about race and the meaning and implications of race very early in the lifespan. They recognize differences between people and begin to categorize and attach meaning to them. Unfortunately, parents and teachers tend to believe that children are colorblind to racial differences and will only notice them if they are pointed out, and therefore do not talk to children about race and what it means to have different skin color. According to the current research, parents and teachers need to begin having meaningful conversations with children about race at a very early age in order to help children develop positive racial attitudes across racial groups. This paper explores the current research about racial attitudes in children, including the development of racial attitudes in children across races, how this process varies as a function of race, the influences on racial attitudes in children, and what we can do to improve these attitudes in our children.
