Using the social cognitive theory children can learn racist/prejudice behavior through many different social aspects such as; racial socialization, what observe from the media, and eventually modeling that learned behavior.
Prejudice views being taught through Parental Values and Beliefs African American parents have the privilege to take on the responsibility just like every other parent; to raise and teach their children certain culturally-appropriate values and principles that prepare them to one day take on adult roles in society and they do this through what is called racial socialization (Gaskin, 2015). Thomas and colleagues also believed that family background is very important to a child’s development of self-concept, personal identity, and racial identity and that parent’s serve as a primary instructor of socialization for children (Thomas, 1999). According to Boykin socialization is the construction of children to take ownership of adult roles and responsibilities in society through the teachings and learning of beliefs, values, and patterns of behavior (Boykin & Thomas, 1985). On the other hand racial socialization is what prepares a child …show more content…
For an example a child that may overhear their parents or valued adult figure convey a racial slur, that child is more likely to repeat what they heard, and if that child understand the meaning behind the comment, it will negatively alter their racial views towards that group of individuals (Levi, 2009). According to Bandura modeling may encourage a behavior that was formerly known as forbidden, in this case vicarious reinforcement has a disinhibition effect (Ormrod, 2016). For an example a child that is constantly exposed to a certain behavior regardless it is an inappropriate one they are more likely to mock that behavior because of constant exposure. Walters and colleagues conducted a study that involved a group of adults viewing a film that depicted both aggression and violence or a film that was more neutral and then asked to administer shocks to other individuals. Those that watched the violent film administered more intense “shocks” to the confederates, “the film apparently disinhibited previously learned aggressive behavior” (Ormrod, 2016). According to Bandura there are four characteristics of effective models such as; the model has to be competent, the model has to have prestige and power, the model’s behavior is gender appropriate, and the model’s behavior is relevant to the observer’s situation. That is why it easy for the youth to mock their