Intergroup bias
Intergroup bias refers to the tendency to evaluate and treat members of one's own group more favorably than members of other groups, often unconsciously contributing to racism and discrimination.
THE IDEA
Intergroup bias
Intergroup bias is when we see people in our group differently from the way we see someone in another group. This bias helps to explain the roots of racism and discrimination. Unfortunately, researchers suggest that we are not always conscious of our preference for people in our social group.
When to use it
A hiring manager reviews resumes and unconsciously prefers candidates with names that sound like their own ethnic group.
In a legal setting, a judge may give a lighter sentence to a defendant who shares their racial background.
During a political debate, supporters of a candidate dismiss flaws in their candidate while exaggerating flaws in the opponent from a different party.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Preferential hiring
A study found that identical resumes with traditionally white-sounding names received 50% more callbacks than those with African American-sounding names, illustrating intergroup bias in employment.
Perception of violence
Research shows that people are more likely to perceive an ambiguous shove as aggressive when the perpetrator is from an outgroup, but as playful when from an ingroup.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you think of a time when you favored someone from your own social group without realizing it?
How might intergroup bias manifest in workplace decisions like hiring or promotions?
What steps can you take to mitigate unconscious intergroup bias in your daily interactions?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- 60 Cognitive Biases That Ruin Everything We Do by David Scott