Race-Ethnicity, Social Class, and the Children’s Summer Activity Gap

• In Event: 3148 - Parenthood I: Racial Socialization and Parenting Decisions

Abstract

Examining variation in children’s summer activities provides a window to understanding variation in parenting practices. Research has shown social class disparities in children’s summer activities, but has rarely investigated racial-ethnic differences, despite concerns regarding racial-ethnic achievement gaps. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11 (N = 4,255), we examine variation in children’s activities during the summer after first grade by parental race-ethnicity and education. Regardless of parental education, compared with White children, Black children went on family trips less often and spent more time attending summer camps, whereas Asian children spent less time at summer camps. Black and Asian children were more likely to spend time using screen media, such as television, video games, and the computer, and less likely to play outside. Black and Asian children were also more likely to be engaged in academic activities, like attending summer school and studying with a tutor or parents, especially among those without college-educated parents. Few differences were found between Hispanic and White children after controlling for parents’ English proficiency and other characteristics, except that Hispanic children spent more time watching TV. There was little racial-ethnic difference in children’s reading frequencies, except that Asian children with parents without college degrees read more often than other children. More frequent family trips and reading were positively, and outside play was negatively, related to increased reading scores in the following fall. The next version of the paper will theorize these racial-ethnic differences, drawing on insights from critical race perspectives.

Authors

• Kei Nomaguchi, Bowling Green State University

• Leanne M. Confer, Bowling Green State University

• Amira Allen, Bowling Green State University

• Lindsey Louise Aldrich, Bowling Green State University