Ethnic-Racial Socialization and Latinx Youth’s Sociopolitical Development: Testing Variability by Reporter Status and Youth’s Age, Gender, and Family Immigrant Status

The current study drew from sociopolitical development theory to examine the relations between ethnic-racial socialization and youths’ critical reflection and motivation. We also examined variability by reporter (adolescent or parent), youth’s age and gender, and familial immigrant status. Data derived from a sample of 290 Latinx families, including one adolescent (M = 13.17 years; SD = 1.42) and one parent (M = 40.02 years; SD = 6.27) in the U.S. Southwest. Findings indicated that parents’ and youth’s reports of preparation for bias were positively associated with youth’s concurrent reports of critical reflection. Moreover, youth’s (but not parents’) reports of preparation for bias and promotion of mistrust were positively and negatively associated with critical motivation, respectively. All findings were invariant by youth age, gender, and immigrant background. Results highlight the role that families may play in shaping youth’s understanding of why discrimination exists and empower them to enact change.