Abaied & Perry

Objectives of the Study

  • Investigate how White American parents socialize their children regarding race.

  • Explore contradictions in racial ideologies held by White parents.

  • Analyze reasons for the presence or absence of discussions about race-related current events (e.g. Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown).

Methodology

  • Sample: 165 White parents (children age 8-12, M-age = 36.67).

  • Data Collection: Open-ended responses analyzed qualitatively to identify themes regarding racial discussions.

Results

Racial Ideologies Endorsed by Parents

  • Evidence of both color-blind and color-conscious ideologies.

  • 37% of parents expressed a mix of different ideologies.

  • Majority avoided discussing race-related events, citing negativity or perceived unwarranted nature of discussions.

Color-Blind vs. Color-Conscious Ideologies

  • Color-blind ideology typically denies the importance of race; often leads to indifference regarding racial inequalities.

    • Consequences: Minimizes awareness of racism, legitimizes systems of oppression, impedes progress toward racial equality.

    • Trends: Increasing racial harassment and hate crimes prompt urgent need for addressing color-blindness in youth.

  • Color-conscious ideology acknowledges racial inequality and promotes diversity.

    • Encourages recognition of racism, advocates for racial equality.

    • More prevalent in progressive family discussions, even if sometimes vague.

Communication of Contradictory Messages

  • Many parents express mixed messages, simultaneously advocating color-blindness and color-consciousness.

  • Possible reasons include:

    • Avoidance of overt racial discussions to appear non-racist.

    • Strategic color-blindness may inadvertently reinforce prevailing racial narratives.

Parent-Child Discussions of Race-Related Current Events

  • Only 37% of parents discussed current racial events with children.

  • Barriers include:

    • Shielding: Parents feel discussions are too adult or negative for children.

    • Passive Approach: Parents wait for children to bring the topic up.

    • Perceived Unnecessity: Some don’t view discussions as relevant or valuable.

Conclusion

  • White parents hold potential to teach children about racial injustices but often default to reinforcing color-blind ideologies.

  • Many parents avoid talking about pressing racial issues, which may prevent children from understanding systemic racism.

  • Mixed messages can confuse children, indicating a need for improved, direct discussions about race and racism in family settings.

Implications for Future Research and Practice

  • Increased focus on how to engage White parents in meaningful discussions about race-related issues.

  • Development of evidence-based programs aimed to enhance parental understanding and communication concerning racial issues.