How Exposure to Racial and Ethnic Diversity in High School Shapes Civic Engagement Among Latinx Youth

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Sunday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Youth Identity Development and Social Relationships

Abstract

As the U.S. school-age population grows increasingly diverse, understanding how intergroup friendships shape collective action and support for social change among Latinx youth is critical. This study examined whether the composition of Latinx adolescents’ friendship networks predicted civic engagement and support for affirmative action. Using data from 1,219 students across 142 California high schools, greater friendship diversity, rather than the proportion of White or minoritized peers, was linked to higher civic engagement and social agency. Effects were mediated by lower social dominance orientation, greater inequality awareness, and positive beliefs about diversity. Friendships did not predict support for affirmative action, suggesting a need for deeper structural understanding. Results underscore the value of school diversity to foster civic engagement among Latinx youth.

Authors

• Brittney Marques, California State University - Dominguez Hills

• Kara Kogachi, University of California - Los Angeles

• Sandra Graham, University of California - Los Angeles