Minority and Majority Children’s Evaluations of Social Exclusion in Intergroup Contexts

Abstract

Social exclusion based on race and ethnicity occurs within the context of peer relationships beginning in childhood. Surprisingly little is known about the minority youth perspective regarding experiences and evaluations of social exclusion. While it is important to investigate and identify how majority youth’s biases contribute to social exclusion of ethnic minority individuals, a full understanding of the factors that contribute to social exclusion necessitates examining both the minority and majority perspectives. In this chapter we highlight recent research which has revealed areas of convergence and divergence regarding peer-based social exclusion. Overall, most children and adolescents view social exclusion based on group membership such as race and ethnicity as wrong. Differences emerge between majority and minority perspectives, however, regarding the expression of outgroup attitudes, ingroup bias, and the factors that contribute to social inclusion and exclusion. We review existing research and discuss implications for interventions, such as how to promote positive intergroup contact, social identity development to foster positive peer relationships, and healthy development for minority and majority youth.