Racial Socialization Messages in White Parents' Discussions of Current Events Involving Racism With Their Adolescents.

Abstract

This study presents a thematic analysis of socialization messages about race and racism in White parents’ reports of their discussions with adolescents about current events involving racism (e.g., police brutality toward Black Americans). Two samples of White parents of primarily White adolescents ages 14–17 were recruited online in September 2019 (Study 1, N = 123) and June 2020 (Study 2, N = 104). Key themes included color‐conscious messages, color‐blind messages, endorsing equal treatment, and references to Whiteness. Rates of discussion in 2020 (79–81%) were double that of 2019 (40.2–43.4%). However, color‐conscious messages were less common in 2020 compared to 2019, and references to Whiteness were rare in 2020. Color‐blind messages were similarly prevalent across both studies.