Few studies have examined whether the manner in which one has been parented impacts one’s subsequent parenting style regarding ethnic socialization. We examined this question in current and prospective parents. First, we found that receiving greater familial ethnic socialization is significantly correlated with stronger subsequent parental ethnic socialization (PES) for both current and prospective parents. Second, we found that PES did not significantly differ between current and prospective parents. Third, given the limited research examining the ethnic socialization experiences of those who are White, we examined these questions specifically for our White participants. Our findings persisted when we examined all ethnicities together and when we examined White participants alone.

As ethnic diversity grows within the United States, so does the need for understanding ethnic identity (EI), which develops through ethnic socialization (ES). In a family context, this is known as familial ethnic socialization (FES), whereas parental ethnic socialization (PES) refers to ethnically socializing one’s children. This study explores differences and similarities in EI, FES, and PES between ethnic majority, minority, and multiracial groups. It also introduces PES as an emerging construct in EI research.