Ethnic-Racial Socialization and Far-Right Support Among White Young Adults

Abstract

The contemporary rise in the far right, marked by strong nationalist sentiments, xenophobia, and derogation of racial outgroups, necessitates an understanding of what drives individuals toward these views. Despite extensive research on personality and demographic factors influencing far-right support, the role of ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) remains under-explored, particularly in white families. Using a national sample of white young adults, this study examines how parental ERS strategies received during youth impact current far-right support by influencing three mediating factors: racial ingroup attitudes, racial outgroup attitudes, and conservatism. We find ERS impacts support for far-right groups. Cultural socialization, preparation for bias, and egalitarianism were linked to increased political conservatism and thus support for far-right groups. Conversely, antiracism messages correlated with reduced conservatism and thus less far-right support. Silence about race diminished positive ingroup and outgroup attitudes, enhancing far-right support, while exposure to diversity improved outgroup attitudes and thus reduced support. Interestingly, mainstream socialization increased positive attitudes toward both ingroups and outgroups, thereby reducing far-right support. These findings highlight the crucial role of parental messages in shaping political ideologies.