SOCIAL IDENTITY IN YOUNG NEW-ZEALAND CHILDREN

The present research compared the ethnic identity and preferences of y oung Maori children who attended either a bilingual unit within a stat e school or a state school without a bilingual unit. In addition, ingr oup favouritism was investigated through the attribution of positive a nd negative behaviours to dark and light skinned targets. Results demo nstrated stronger ingroup identity, but also stronger outgroup prefere nce, amongst Maori children at the school without a bilingual unit tha n amongst Maori children at the bilingual unit. Outgroup favouritism i n the attribution of positive behaviours was seen at both schools. Res ults are discussed in terms of social identity.