Looking through a kaleidoscope: The phenomenological ethnic‐racial socialization conceptual model and its application to U.S. Black and Latino Youth and families

A significant body of research examines ethnic‐racial socialization among families of color, yet rarely investigates the influence of youths’ phenotype (e.g., skin color) on ethnic‐racial socialization. How families of color make meaning of youths’ skin color may cause variation in ethnic‐racial socialization. To address this gap, we propose the Phenomenological Ethnic‐Racial Socialization Conceptual Model, which details how the meaning families of color make of phenotype within contexts and in consideration of youths’ identities affects ethnic‐racial socialization. In the application of the model to U.S. Black and Latino youth and families, we specifically focus on how the meaning of skin color, affected by context and immigrant identity, can influence ethnic‐racial socialization. Theoretical frameworks that can be used to investigate components and relations within the model are briefly discussed. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for research and practice, limitations of the conceptual model, and future research.