How Parents, Peers, and Reflection Matter: Parental Ethnic-Racial Socialization and Critical Motivation in White Dutch Youth

Abstract

Racism and discrimination remain pressing issues in current Dutch society. Critical motivation is one aspect of critical consciousness theory that reflects the moral concern for equity. Parental ethnic-racial socialization has been found to influence youth’s motivation to stand up against injustices in society. Little is known about the association between the two in the Dutch context. This study therefore investigates whether the association between parental ethnic-racial socialization about discrimination against other groups and critical motivation among White youth in the Netherlands is present, while also examining critical reflection, and intergroup friendships as mediating and moderating factors. 303 White youth in the age group of 17-21 (M = 19.4, 73% female) participated in a cross-sectional survey study. The association between parental ethnic-racial socialization about discrimination against other groups and critical motivation was found to be positive. Furthermore, critical reflection partially mediated this association, intergroup friends in contrast did not act as a moderator. These findings highlight that parents should take a more active role in engaging in ethnic-racial socialization to support their children's critical consciousness development.