Ethnic role guilt and academic underachievement of African American students

A significant gap exists between the academic achievement of African American and White students at every level, from kindergarten through graduate school. The present study undertakes to examine the problem by reviewing the relevant literature in the fields of anthropology, education, and psychology. The construct of ethnic role guilt is proposed to account for academic underachievement of African American students who underachieve in order to maintain affiliation with their reference group. Interpersonal guilt, historical and current racism, and the collectivist nature of African American culture are proposed as factors that contribute to the formation of ethnic role guilt. Clinical and policy implications are addressed and future research directions are suggested.