A recent study shows that the fallout from the recession may extend to issues of racial bias.
A recent study shows that the fallout from the recession may extend to issues of racial bias.
Researchers found that when faced with financial insecurity, there was a tendency among the 70 predominantly white people questioned to view non-whites as economic threats.
The study took place in several parts.
One was a survey asking the participants to rank given statements based on whether or not they agreed with them.
Among them was “When blacks make economic gains, whites lose out economically.”
Next, the majority of the individuals were shown an array of mixed-race faces. Those who had expressed that they saw blacks as rivals were more apt to see the lighter skin tones as being ‘blacker’ than they actually were.
Lastly, participants were given fifteen dollars and two images of people and asked to divvy up the money.
On average, 70 cents less was allotted to the pictures featuring darker faces.
The authors noted that a lot of people harbor racist feelings, but manage to keep them in check.
When their economic situations are compromised, however, many find it harder to maintain beliefs at a level that is socially acceptable.
Do you believe the results of this small scale study mirrors a larger population?
