Maintaining whiteness in a superdiverse context: White German parents' racial–ethnic socialization

Abstract

Objective

We aimed to explore the domains of white German parents' racial–ethnic socialization (RES) in a superdiverse context.

Background

White individuals are becoming numerical minorities in many Western European cities, yet systemic racism and white supremacy remain widespread. In this context, some white individuals embrace diversity, whereas others perceive it as a threat. Understanding white parents' RES in diverse contexts is crucial, as parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's beliefs and behaviors.

Method

We conducted qualitative interviews with 12 white German parents of elementary school–aged children and employed reflexive thematic analysis to analyze the data.

Results

We identified four main themes: silence about race and racism, adhering to white normativity, overtly reinforcing racism, and diversity socialization.

Conclusion

RES among white parents is a mechanism that can uphold or resist white supremacy. All parents' messaging included aspects of both, indicating an ongoing embrace of white privilege in this superdiverse context, but also an emerging consciousness of inequality.

Implications

Fostering environments that reject white supremacy demands change at all systemic levels. Interventions to bridge the gap between emerging awareness and concrete actions, guiding parents in addressing racial–ethnic topics, are one vital puzzle piece to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of racism.