Keywords

racial attitudes, Asian college students, European college students

Abstract

College campuses are becoming increasingly racially diverse and may provide an optimal setting for the reduction of racial stereotypes and prejudices perpetuated in society. To better understand racism among college students, this study evaluated the attitudes of Asian and White European Americans toward several racial out-groups. Participants completed a survey containing the Social Distance Scale, and differences between participants' ratings of their own race were contrasted with their ratings of other races. Findings revealed strong preferences for social affiliations with members of their same racial background, with attitudes towards out-groups differing as a function of the race of the participant. Asians were much more likely to feel comfortable socializing with Whites than Whites were with Asians. Continued research regarding cross-cultural differences in inter-group relations on college campuses is encouraged.

Original Publication Citation

Smith, T. B., Bowman, R., & Hsu, S. (2007). Racial attitudes among Asian and European American college students: A cross-cultural examination. College Student Journal, 41, 436-443.