An Ecological Approach to Childhood Prejudice: The Case of Arab Americans

Abstract

This chapter explores childhood prejudice among Arab Americans using an ecological approach. The chapter first begins by reviewing multiple intersecting theories to explain childhood prejudice, drawing attention to various levels of prejudice and the influence of ecological factors. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model is used to review the proximal and distal factors that may contribute to the experience of prejudice among Arab American youth. The next section applies theoretical concepts to highlight the following agents of socialization as they relate to the experience of prejudice among Arab American youth: family, peers/school, community, and media. Each context provides the potential for acquiring and facing prejudiced attitudes, as well as protecting children from the effects of prejudice. Future directions highlight the need for better samples and more focus on early childhood experiences.