Aversive Racism: A Review of the Literature
Racism is an issue that has plagued societies around the world for centuries. Despite the progress that has been made in recent decades to reduce its presence, it continues to be a pervasive problem in many places. One form of racism that has received increased attention in recent years is aversive racism, which is defined as a subtle form of discrimination that is often unconscious and unintentional. This article provides a review of the literature on aversive racism, including its definition, its causes and consequences, and its implications for intervention and policy.
Definition
Aversive racism is a subtle form of discrimination that is often unconscious and unintentional (Rudman, Ashmore, & Gary, 2001). It is characterized by feelings of discomfort or uneasiness when interacting with members of a certain group, which can manifest in various forms of behavior or attitude. Aversive racism can be expressed through avoidance of contact, prejudiced attitudes, or discriminatory behavior.
Causes and Consequences
Aversive racism is thought to be rooted in implicit biases, which are unconscious attitudes or beliefs about a particular group (Greenwald & Banaji, 1995). These attitudes are shaped by a variety of factors, including socialization, culture, and media. As a result, individuals may unknowingly hold prejudiced views of certain groups.
The consequences of aversive racism can be serious and far-reaching. Research has found that it can lead to the exclusion of certain groups from educational and employment opportunities, as well as reduced access to health care and other resources (Feagin, 2014). It can also increase the likelihood of negative interactions between individuals from different backgrounds, which can further contribute to feelings of distrust and hostility.
Implications for Intervention and Policy
In order to combat aversive racism, it is important to first recognize and acknowledge its presence. This can be done by increasing awareness of implicit biases and the role they play in perpetuating prejudiced attitudes and behaviors.
Once the issue has been identified, interventions and policies can be implemented to reduce its effects. These can include educating individuals about the consequences of aversive racism, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and providing resources for those affected by it. Additionally, it is important to ensure that laws and policies are in place to protect those who may be vulnerable to aversive racism.
Conclusion
Aversive racism is a subtle form of discrimination that is often unconscious and unintentional. It has serious and far-reaching consequences, and its prevalence is often overlooked. However, by recognizing and addressing the issue, individuals and institutions can work to reduce its impact.
References
Feagin, J. R. (2014). Systemic racism: A theory of oppression. New York, NY: Routledge.
Greenwald, A. G., & Banaji, M. R. (1995). Implicit social cognition: Attitudes, self-esteem, and stereotypes. Psychological Review, 102(1), 4-27. doi:10.1037/0033-295X.102.1.4
Rudman, L. A., Ashmore, R. D., & Gary, M. L. (2001). “Unlearning” automatic biases: The malleability of implicit prejudice and stereotypes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81(5), 856-868. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.81.5.856