Social identity in young New Zealand children

The present research compared the ethnic identity and preferences of young Maori children who attended either a bilingual unit within a state school or a state school without a bilingual unit. In addition, ingroup favouritism was investigated through the attribution of positive and negative behaviours to dark and light skinned targets. Results demonstrated stronger ingroup identity, but also stronger outgroup preference, amongst Maori children at the school without a bilingual unit than amongst Maori children at the bilingual unit. Outgroup favouritism in the attribution of positive behaviours was seen at both schools. Results are discussed in terms of social identity.