Reach Out and Read The Science Sessions: Cultural Pride and Children's Health
Jun 27, 2024
Dr. Ashaunta Anderson, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and a researcher on cultural pride and child health, dives into the profound impacts of racism on children's well-being. She explains how racial socialization shapes children’s understanding of race and emphasizes the importance of cultural pride as a protective factor against negative experiences. By promoting practices like reading culturally-themed books, families can foster positive identities and improve mental health outcomes. Anderson also highlights the urgent need for future research linking these concepts to physical health.
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Race Vs Ethnicity Distinction
- Race is a social invention based on physical traits while ethnicity centers on culture, language, and religion.
- Dr. Ashaunta Anderson frames both as distinct but interconnected constructs shaping child identity.
What Is Racial Socialization
- Racial socialization is the process by which children learn the meaning of race through messages and practices around them.
- Dr. Ashaunta Anderson emphasizes parents and environments as key transmitters of these early lessons.
Children Notice Race Very Early
- Infants notice racial differences as early as three months and by three years can show bias in classic doll studies.
- Early perception doesn't equal innate prejudice, but indicates rapid social learning about caregivers and trust.
