The Family Transmission of Ethnic Prejudice: A Systematic Review of Research Articles with Adolescents

Ioana Zagrean, Daniela Barni, Claudia Russo and Francesca Danioni
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Ioana Zagrean: Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, 00193 Rome, Italy
Daniela Barni: Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
Claudia Russo: Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, 00193 Rome, Italy
Francesca Danioni: Family Studies and Research University Centre, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy

Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-27

Abstract: Ethnic prejudice is one of the most studied topics in social psychology. Empirical research on its development and intergenerational transmission is increasing but still scarce. This systematic review collected and analyzed psychosocial studies focused on the transmission of ethnic prejudice within families with adolescents. Specifically, it aimed at addressing the following research questions: (a) To what extent is there a vertical (between parents and children) and horizontal (between siblings) transmission of ethnic prejudice within the family? (b) Is this process unidirectional (from parents to children) or bidirectional (between parents and children)? (c) Which individual and/or relational variables influence this process? (d) Can adolescents’ intergroup contact experiences affect the family influence on adolescents’ ethnic prejudice? The literature search of four databases (Ebsco, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science), carried out from February 2021 to May 2021, following the PRISMA guidelines, yielded 22 articles that matched the eligibility criteria. The findings highlighted a moderate bidirectional transmission of ethnic prejudice between parents and adolescents, which was influenced by several individual and relational variables (e.g., the adolescents’ age and sex and the family relationship quality). Moreover, the adolescents’ frequent and positive contacts with peers of different ethnicities reduced the parents’ influence on the adolescents’ ethnic prejudice. The findings are discussed, and their limitations and implications for intervention and future research are considered.

Keywords: ethnic prejudice; family transmission; adolescents; parents; siblings; systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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