Peer Ethnic Socialization: Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes Among African-American Adolescents

Abstract

The current study used a sample of 75 African-American adolescents to examine the role of peers as agents of ethnic socialization. Results indicated that peer ethnic socialization messages were prevalent among African-American youth, and that adolescents reported more messages related to cultural mistrust and fewer messages related to cultural pride from peers than from parents. Additionally, adolescents reported their peers used indirect as opposed to direct methods of socialization more frequently. Results indicated that higher age and peer orientation predicted higher peer ethnic socialization. Additionally, higher peer ethnic socialization predicted lower self-esteem, lower depression, higher academic achievement, and higher ethnic identity. The findings of this study suggest that adolescent peers play an important role in the socialization of ethnicity.