Use of Parental Racial Socialization with African American Toddler Boys

In this qualitative pilot study, 12 self-identified African American parents (six mother-father dyads, ages 25-43) shared (via in-depth, in-person interviews) culturally relevant socialization beliefs, practices and goals for raising their toddler boys (ages 12–33 months). Transcript analysis focused on understanding the prevalence of and rationale for racial socialization (i.e., messages addressing the significance and meaning of race and ethnicity), the specific content of those messages, and the methods and modes by which parents use racial socialization and/or plan to use it with their toddler sons. Results indicated parents of toddlers engaged in common racial socialization tenets varyingly, including cultural socialization, preparation for bias, and egalitarianism. However, promotion of mistrust was a tenet not typically engaged in by parent participants. The importance of elucidating the culturally-influenced context of parenting (specifically, the engagement in racial socialization) for caregivers of this young age group are discussed.