Youth 's attitudes toward racism: a socio-cultural perspective

In this paper we analyze the attitudes toward racism of native-born and immigrant pre-adolescents and adolescents attending school in Italy. In this analysis the motivations of these attitudes and their consequent behaviors are also considered. Great emphasis is placed on the role of culture in affecting these attitudes. We adopt a broad definition of culture, which includes not only the traditional concepts encompassed by this term, such as beliefs, values, norms, and habits of a specific society or group, but also socio-economic factors, which can strongly influence psychological processes. Different perspectives in youth's attitudes toward racism are especially related to their belonging either to the "majority" or "minority" group, but other factors, such as personality, personal experiences, age, and gender are also relevant. "Perceived threat" is considered the main motivation underlying racist attitudes and its deep relations with ignorance and hate are also analyzed. Data are drawn from a study we conducted on pre-adolescent and adolescent pupils with the use of anonymous open-ended essays. Results are also discussed with reference to the competitive life pattern prevailing in our society.