Challenging Implicit Bias: Strategies for Combating Racism

It is critical to comprehend the role of implicit bias in the perpetuation of racism. Implicit biases are often unintentional and unconscious, but they can lead to discriminatory behavior and contribute to the perpetuation of systemic racism. To address this issue, it is critical to understand the science of implicit bias as well as strategies for identifying and challenging it.

Implicit biases are formed as a result of our experiences and exposure to social stereotypes, according to research. These biases can be unconscious and influence our behavior and decisions even when we are not aware of them. For example, Green et al. (2007) discovered that even medical professionals can have implicit biases that influence their treatment decisions and contribute to health disparities among different racial groups. To combat implicit bias, it is critical to first recognize its existence and comprehend how it operates. Self-awareness is essential, and there are tools available to assist individuals in identifying their own biases, such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT) developed by Harvard University researchers (Greenwald et al., 1998). Individuals can work to challenge their biases once they have been identified using techniques such as mindfulness and perspective-taking (Blair et al., 2001). In addition to individual strategies, systemic bias must be addressed through policy and institutional change. Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and leadership, as well as implementing training programs to raise awareness of implicit bias and its effects on decision-making, are all part of this.

Finally, the role of implicit bias in the perpetuation of racism cannot be overlooked. As a psychologist, you must understand the science of implicit bias as well as strategies for identifying and challenging it. We can work toward a more equitable and just society by raising awareness of these issues and implementing individual and systemic strategies for combating implicit bias.

Program Director- Racial Equity Asya Tamer

References:

1. Blair, I. V., Judd, C. M., & Chapleau, K. M. (2001). The influence of Afrocentric facial features in criminal sentencing. Psychological Science, 12(5), 366–369.

2. Green, A. R., Carney, D. R., Pallin, D. J., Ngo, L. H., Raymond, K. L., Iezzoni, L. I., & Banaji,

M. R. (2007). Implicit bias among physicians and its prediction of thrombolysis decisions for black and white patients. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 22(9), 1231-1238.

1. Greenwald, A. G., McGhee, D. E., & Schwartz, J. L. (1998). Measuring individual differences in implicit cognition: The Implicit Association Test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(6), 1464-1480.