Differential ethnic bias in Bengali and white children

Abstract

In a sociometric study, Bengali and white children aged seven to 11 years were shown classroom seating plans with facial photographs of children arranged around tables. Children were asked which table they would (a) choose; and (b) not choose to sit at on the basis of each of ten friendship‐type criteria. For the high‐contrast condition tables showed all Bengali or all white faces, while for the medium‐contrast condition table groups were three Bengali and one white or three white and one Bengali. Ethnic bias was clear both for boys and girls in their preference choices; however, for rejection choices there was no ethnic bias. Remarkably, Bengali girls showed no ethnic bias in either their preference or their rejection choices.