Unpacking school ethnic-racial socialization: A new conceptual model

Parents are the earliest transmitters of ethnic-racial socialization (ERS), but transmitters within the school context become more important as youth move into adolescence. Yet, the current literature has limited frameworks to describe the transmission of ERS in schools. We propose a conceptual model that outlines the transmitters, methods, and content of school ERS as well as how school ERS can influence adolescent outcomes. Although scholars have begun to understand dimensions of school ERS, no frameworks have outlined the process, content, and effects of school ERS. This paper builds upon the burgeoning literature to unpack this process at institutional and individual levels. The paper includes discussion of research and practice implications for utilizing school ERS to address racial disparities and increase healthy school racial climates in K-12 schools.