Are Children Of Today Racial?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 15:23

Awareness of racial stereotypes can significantly affect the way children respond socially and academically.

According to a research conducted by Rush University Medical Centre 120 elementary school children from an ethnically and socio-economically diverse areas were studied. They were asked questions to determine their ability to understand another person's stereotypical beliefs as well as their own comprehension of broadly held stereotypes.

They were also asked about their own experiences with discrimination.

Children between 5 to 11 years are aware that many people believe in stereotypes notions revolving around ethnicity.

Such awareness among children affect how they respond to day-to-day situations.

The study showed that African American and Latino youths who were aware of broadly held stereotypes about their groups performed poorly on a standardised test, confirming the negative stereotype in a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The results suggest the need for educational policies to reduce stereotypes and their consequences as early as possible.