The Role of Social Status in the Development of Racial Bias in Childhood

ABSTRACT Racial bias emerges early in a fairly consistent manner in the U.S. and in other societies in which group‐based inequality is prevalent. Specifically, White children often show in‐group preferences while children of color show less consistent or non‐existent racial preferences, and sometimes display preferences for White people over their own racial group. We sought to provide evidence that social status differences among racial groups partially explains this pattern of racial bias in young children. We point to research that shows children's propensity to prefer social affiliation with and to attribute positive traits to high‐status groups as well as research demonstrating that children's knowledge of racial social status and inequality develops along a similar trajectory as children's racial bias. We then examine why racial social status differences may lead to racial bias in children, examining potential cognitive, social, and identity related mechanisms. Finally, we discuss gaps in the current literature that may be addressed by future studies in order to reduce racial bias in children and promote a more equitable society.