Racial Identity and Challenges of Educating White Youths for Cultural Diversity

Abstract

The nature of students' budding racial identities presents significant issues for the work of teachers in contemporary schools. Yet, most teachers are unaware of this dimension of personal identity development and implications it presents for educating youths for diversity. This is especially so in relation to White youths. The author explores why teachers need to understand White racial identity development and the nature of White racial socialization. Challenges for educating White youths for a diverse society are also discussed.