Children's Perceptions of Interethnic and Interracial Friendships in a Multiethnic School Context

Abstract

Some literature exists on children's real-life interracial and interethnic friendships. However, a scarcity of research exists on children's perceptions of these relationships. This cross-sectional study investigated children's perceptions of interracial friendships by employing the Perceptions of Intergroup Friendships Questionnaire. A total of 108 children attending an ethnically and racially diverse, urban elementary school in a midsize northeastern city were interviewed employing the questionnaire. Results indicate that Kindergarten/1st- and 4th/5th-graders differ significantly in their perceptions of intergroup friendships. In addition, African American children demonstrated more positive perceptions of intergroup friendships than did European American children.