Black Adolescents' Racial Socialization Experiences

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between parental racial socialization messages and area-specific self-esteem (i.e., home, school, and peer self-esteem) among Black American adolescents. The authors found that parental racial socialization messages reflecting pride and knowledge about African American culture were positively associated with Black youths' peer self-esteem. Moreover, racial socialization messages about the relative importance of majority culture (i.e., White) institutions and the values and benefits associated with being involved with these institutions were negatively associated with school self-esteem in Black adolescents. Future research directions are offered.