Human Growth and Development / Unit 6 HGD 0771 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Ethnic-Racial Identity
The idea
Ethnic-racial identity develops through three early milestones. Ethnic labelling is using the labels a child's culture provides. Ethnic knowledge grows from food, holidays and customs to awareness of stereotypes and discrimination. Ethnic constancy arrives around six: a child understands that joining another group's celebration, such as Lunar New Year, does not change their own ethnicity. Children of racialized groups are often more aware of stereotypes and discrimination at young ages.
In practice
A six-year-old enjoying a friend's Lunar New Year celebration, and sure it does not change her own family's heritage.
Where people slip
The steps parallel gender labelling, stability and constancy, which makes them easier to remember together. Young children also show in-group preference and remember stereotype-consistent information better. A developed ethnic-racial identity supports a sense of belonging.
Your place on the trail
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