Racial Identity and Intergroup Attitudes: A Multiracial Youth Analysis*

Abstract

ObjectiveThis article examines the racial identity attitudes of white, black, and Hispanic youth and explores how these identities shape their feelings toward various racial and ethnic groups (whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Arabs, and biracial individuals).MethodsUsing the 2005 Youth Culture Survey data set, we test our theoretical expectations using descriptive statistics and multiple regression models.ResultsThe relationship between racial identification and out‐group attitudes varies among racial groups; specifically, racial identity variables do not have a significant impact on whites’ out‐group attitudes, but they do matter for blacks and Hispanics.ConclusionWhile American society has changed in many ways (i.e., increased number of minorities and more tolerance, or at least more discussion of acceptance, for racial groups), our research finds that race still plays a consequential role in the lives of young racial minorities.