Racial Attitudes: The Effects of Segregation on College Students

Racial Attitudes: The Effects of Segregation on College Students

Alvin Sherman Library 4009

This study focused on racial segregation experienced in high school by college students and their subsequent attitudes toward race. Kenneth Clark in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka clearly demonstrated that psychological inferiority as a result of segregation greatly affected children’s self-esteem and self-image. In the present study, differences in racial behaviors and attitudes in relation to gender, ethnicity, and level of segregation in high school were explored in 52 undergraduate college students. Findings indicated differences of racial attitudes among male and female students. In one comparison between the genders, females exhibited less racial discomfort in relation to discussing racial issues than males. Surprisingly, this study also demonstrated significant differentiating attitudes between African- Americans and Caucasian students. Differences were observed in African- Americans’ feelings towards limitations on opportunity as a result of their race, compared to that of Caucasian students. Overall, findings support the notion that racial attitudes are still very existent within our society and play an intricate role in our psychological well-being.