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Published on: September 28, 2018
The space between us: stereotype threat and distance in interracial contexts
Phillip Atiba Goff1, Claude M Steele, Paul G Davies
1Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. philgoff@psu.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|January 9, 2008
Summary
The threat of appearing racist can ironically cause White individuals to distance themselves from Black conversation partners. This racial distancing is linked to stereotype threat, not explicit prejudice.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
- Stereotype Threat Research
Background:
- Stereotype threat, the fear of confirming negative stereotypes, can influence social behavior.
- Racial distancing behavior in interracial interactions is a significant area of psychological study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how stereotype threat influences racial distancing behavior in White individuals during anticipated conversations with Black partners.
- To examine the relationship between stereotype threat, racial stereotypes, prejudice, and distancing.
Main Methods:
- Four studies employed an anticipated conversation paradigm.
- Researchers measured racial distancing, stereotype activation, explicit/implicit prejudice, and awareness of threat.
- Interventions focused on reframing interracial interactions as learning opportunities.
Main Results:
- White participants exhibited greater distancing from Black partners under stereotype threat conditions.
- Distancing correlated with the activation of a "White racist" stereotype, not explicit or implicit prejudice.
- Awareness of stereotype threat mediated the link between threat and distancing.
- Viewing interactions as learning opportunities reduced negative threat consequences.
Conclusions:
- Stereotype threat can paradoxically increase racial distancing among White individuals.
- Identity threats, particularly the fear of appearing racist, play a crucial role in interracial interactions, potentially as much as prejudice.
- Understanding and awareness of stereotype threat may help mitigate negative interracial outcomes.
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