Kindness towards all: Prosocial behaviors to address U.S. Latinx youth social inequities

Abstract

Latinx youth in the United States face structural barriers that contribute to inequities across multiple domains (e.g., education, juvenile justice, healthcare systems), as racial biases permeate social institutions. The systemic oppression resulting from racism can be seen in disparities across many indicators of health, including physical health, education, socioeconomic conditions, and the overrepresentation of ethnic and racial minority individuals, including Latinx individuals, incarcerated and exposed to violence. We present an approach to combat social inequities and injustices by promoting and fostering prosocial behaviors (i.e., actions that benefit others) between majority and minority members of our society. Existing theories and research on the factors that can promote such behaviors across youth from different backgrounds is summarized though we highlight work in U.S. Latinx youth. Factors that enhance and undermine prosocial behaviors towards diverse others is also summarized. Finally, some recommendations for intervention and policy efforts are briefly presented.

Keywords: Cultural assets; Cultural socialization; Prosocial behaviors; Social inequities; U.S. Latinx youth.