Young Children's Attitudes Regarding Ethnicity and Disability

• Main Author: Zionts, Laura T.
• Other Authors: Hresko, Wayne P.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1996
• Subjects: children; social perceptions; Children > Attitudes.; Ethnic groups > Public opinion.; Racism.; People with disabilities > Public opinion.; Sexism.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc278337/

The purpose of this study was to examine the social perceptions of young children with disabilities and young children of color. Further, an attempt was made to determine whether differential rates of acceptance were experienced by either group, or by the group of children who were of color and also had a disability within integrated classrooms. Young children (age 5.0 through 6.11) were studied in intact groups (N=120) from child care centers in the Texas counties of Denton and Dallas. Three measures of social perceptions were implemented: (a) a forced choice (multiple alternative) technique using dolls of a variety of ethnicities and ability statuses in which children must select dolls they feel represent a list of positive and negative attributes; (b) social distance theory as measured by children's artwork; (c) a sociometric rating. The results of this study showed significant areas (p< 05) of stereotype and bias in the perceptions of young children toward ethnicity, disability and gender. Implications for further research into the efficacy of multicultural and anti-bias education programs is recommended.