The effects of colorblind racial socialization on perceptions of black criminality

Pfeffer, Quincy Marie (2023) The effects of colorblind racial socialization on perceptions of black criminality. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

Current literature on racial socialization frequently examines its role in promoting positive intercultural relations and minimizing racial stereotypes. More recently, the effects of different forms of racial socialization, such as colorblind and color-conscious racial socialization, have also been examined. However, no existing literature on racial socialization considers how different racial socialization practices can influence the development of racial stereotypes, such as the perception of black criminality. This thesis thus explores this relationship. Using a quantitative research design, this thesis randomly selected a sample of undergraduate students at Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff Mountain Campus to complete an online survey. Questions pertained to the frequency of parental racial socialization behaviors, individual colorblind racial attitudes, and estimations of black criminality, and it was hypothesized that individuals who experienced more instances of colorblind racial socialization were more likely to have greater perceptions of black criminality. Results generally supported this hypothesis, suggesting that colorblind racial socialization operates indirectly through colorblind racial attitudes to affect perceptions of black criminality. The importance of these results are explored with regard to prior literature and theory, and policy implications, including the need for increased awareness of racial biases, are considered.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Colorblindness; Perceived criminality; Racial socialization; Racial stereotypes; Blacks; Northern Arizona University
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Criminology and Criminal Justice
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 16:43
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 16:43
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6191

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