Implicit bias can create barriers of discrimination that cause widespread harm in four forms.
Understanding systemic discrimination
Dismantling systemic discrimination has been a topic of concern for many, in recent years. But, before you lend your efforts to address it, let’s first understand why it remains so pervasive within American culture.
Ideological discrimination
Defined as skewed perceptions of superiority based on belief systems and public opinion, ideological discrimination often begins as a seed planted by information received from our families, news outlets, schools, churches and more. As such, it can contribute to the basic principles of how we live and what we believe.
Internalized discrimination
Often described as individual beliefs of inferiority resulting from prolonged exposure to discriminatory practices, internalized discrimination reflects how we see ourselves and disproportionately impacts those who have been historically marginalized. Such categories such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability and class – just to name a few.
Interpersonal discrimination
As the most common form of bias, interpersonal discrimination can indicate how we see others. It often manifests as negative verbal and non-verbal behaviors of superiority exhibited during social interactions and is most easily recognized as microaggressions and unconscious bias.
Institutional discrimination
Historically, institutional discrimination is the most enduring form of bias. Practices and policies systematically give superior advantage to a certain agenda or group, which those in power continually leverage to their own benefit. For example, Jim Crow laws are still having residual effects, even decades after officially being abolished.