The construction of ethnic identity has many consequences on ethnic relation. In the Malaysian youth context, the formation
of ethnic identity through socialization has caused ethnic polarization. Researches proved that majority of Malaysian
youths studying in public universities see ethnic as an important criteria in selecting roommate, assignment partner
and even where to sit in the lecture hall. In view of the above circumstances, this paper intends to analyze the role of
socialization in the forming of ethnic identity and its relationship with ethnic polarization among these youths. The
intensity of ethnic polarization among them will be discussed by elaborating the findings of past researches related to the
phenomenon. The role of nature in socialization will also be analyzed to ascertain the function nature plays in developing
ethnic identity and ethnic polarization. This paper also discusses the role of nurture and the dialectic relationship of
structural and action forces in creating ethnic identity which consequently may cause ethnic polarization.