Question 1
What is ethnic identity and what is its role in human development? Which factors influence its formation in the primary years?Question 2
Why have researchers and the public in the United States historically worried about the self-esteem of children of color? Describe research that suggested that children of color had low self-worth, and explain why these studies may have been flawed.Answer 1
Suggested Responses: Students should note that ethnic identity is a full understanding and appreciation of behaviors, thinking, values, feelings, and competencies of the ethnic group to which they belong. They should note that a strong ethnic identity promotes self-esteem and protects against the effects of prejudice. They should describe the ways that families promote ethnic identity. Ethnic socialization and ethnic socialization messages should be discussed.Answer 2
Suggested Responses: Students should explain that in the mid-20th century, a myth of self hatred was perpetuated, which posited that children of color hated themselves or their ethnic background and wished to be White. Studies in which researchers presented dolls or images of individuals with various racial background to children of color supported this myth: children were more likely to choose the White doll or image. Students should note that these studies failed to account for the fact that children may have chosen the doll or image that they believed the researcher wanted them to choose, or that they were unconsciously swayed by the researchers' preferences, and that indeed many children have a considerable amount of ethnic pride that can even buffer them from the effects of prejudice.