| dc.description.abstract | This study examines the relationship between parental ethnic-racial socialization (PERS) and critical reflection on racism among White late adolescents in the Netherlands, aged 17-21 (M = 19.45, SD = 1.31). While previous research on PERS has mainly focused on families of color, little is known about how White parents’ racial messages shape their children’s critical reflection. This study investigates two forms of PERS: egalitarian messages and messages about discrimination against other groups. The mediating role of general just world beliefs (GJWB) is examined. Data were collected from 296 White adolescents (79.4% female, 20,6% male) through an online survey. Linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Results showed that PERS about discrimination against other groups was positively associated with critical reflection. In contrast, PERS about egalitarianism did not directly predict critical reflection, but was positively related to GJWB, which in turn negatively predicted critical reflection. Mediation analyses showed that GJWB fully mediated the relationship between egalitarianism and critical reflection. No mediation was found for the other PERS form. These findings suggest that PERS about discrimination against other groups can promote critical reflection, even among youth not personally affected by racism. Conversely, egalitarianism messages may reinforce beliefs that the world is fair, reducing awareness of racism. The study highlights the importance of color-consciousness parenting approaches. For meaningful change, parents and educators should go beyond ideals of equality and engage in honest, open discussions about racism. Only then can the next generation of adolescents fight against racism and strive for an inclusive society. | |
