Does Stereotype Threat Contribute to Failure of Diversity & Inclusion Efforts?

Does stereotype threat contribute to failure of D&I efforts?

Triggering “white racist” stereotype threat has been shown to increase anxiety & have negative cognitive and behavioral consequences in whites, including:

• Physically distancing themselves from African American conversation partners.

• Fidgeting, avoiding eye contact.

• Impaired of working memory caused by monitoring or regulating behavior to avoid appearing prejudiced.

• Temporary increases in implicit (unconscious) racial bias.

• Desire to avoid interactions with African American conversation partner.

Read More:

• The Space Between Us: Stereotype Threat and Distance in Interracial Contexts
• Concerns about appearing prejudiced get under the skin: Stress responses to interracial contact in the moment and across time.