Harnessing the many facets of White identity to reduce feelings of threat and improve intergroup relations

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Whiteness in the US is often conceptualized largely as the absence of a meaningful cultural identity. Research from my own lab suggests that overlooking the nuances inherent in White identity (e.g., differences between ethnic groups) can induce feelings of threat and backlash against multiculturalism among dominant group members. Based on this research, I argue that conceptualizing Whiteness as multifaceted—for example, by acknowledging not only interethnic but also religious and socioeconomic differences—may mitigate dominant group members’ threat perceptions and increase their comfort amidst growing discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in institutions and organizations. Further, attending to the complexities of White identity may produce more positive intergroup outcomes, such as reduced racial/ethnic prejudice and greater perceived personal contributions to diversity, and may benefit groups that are classified as “White” on demographic forms but often do not perceive themselves as such (e.g., Middle Eastern and North African Americans, Hispanic/Latino[a] Americans).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1014-1026
Number of pages13
JournalGroup Processes and Intergroup Relations
Volume27
Issue number5
Early online dateApr 9 2024
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • intersectionality
  • multiple identities
  • white identity
  • white privilege
  • white subgroups
  • whiteness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Communication
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science

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