Toward a Harm-Based Account of Microaggressions

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The prevailing understanding of microaggressions, termed the act-based account, focuses on the actions of the perpetrator.
• This perspective has theoretical and practical limitations in fully addressing the impact of microaggressions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critique the dominant act-based account of microaggressions.
• To introduce and advocate for an alternative, harm-based account of microaggressions.
• To shift the conceptual focus from the act to the experienced harm.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of the existing act-based model of microaggressions.
• Theoretical development of a harm-based alternative.
• Argumentation for the reorientation of the microaggression concept.

Main Results:

• Identified significant theoretical and practical shortcomings in the act-based account.
• Proposed a harm-based account that prioritizes the recipient's experience.
• Demonstrated the benefits of focusing on the harms experienced by those targeted by microaggressions.

Conclusions:

• The act-based understanding of microaggressions is insufficient.
• A harm-based account offers a more accurate and beneficial framework for understanding microaggressions.
• Reorienting the concept to focus on recipient harm is crucial for effective intervention and support.