Abstract
Implicit bias refers to automatically evoked mental associations about social groups. The idea has been influential across the social sciences as a way to explain persistent racial disparities amid changing self-report attitudes. Most research has treated implicit bias as an individual attitude. However, evidence suggests that it is neither a stable individual difference nor a strong correlate of individual behavior. Moreover, the individual-focused approach can lead researchers to neglect systemic racism as a cause of persistent disparities. We argue that implicit bias can be considered a cognitive reflection of systemic racism in the environment. In this view, implicit bias is an ongoing set of associations based on inequalities and stereotypes in the environment. As such, implicit bias changes when contexts change.
Keywords:
culture; implicit attitudes; implicit bias; racism
Similar articles
Implicit Racial/Ethnic Bias Among Health Care Professionals and Its Influence on Health Care Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Hall WJ, Chapman MV, Lee KM, Merino YM, Thomas TW, Payne BK, Eng E, Day SH, Coyne-Beasley T.Am J Public Health. 2015 Dec;105(12):e60-76. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302903. Epub 2015 Oct 15.PMID: 26469668Free PMC article.Review.
Medical School Experiences Associated with Change in Implicit Racial Bias Among 3547 Students: A Medical Student CHANGES Study Report. van Ryn M, Hardeman R, Phelan SM, Burgess DJ, Dovidio JF, Herrin J, Burke SE, Nelson DB, Perry S, Yeazel M, Przedworski JM.J Gen Intern Med. 2015 Dec;30(12):1748-56. doi: 10.1007/s11606-015-3447-7. Epub 2015 Jul 1.PMID: 26129779Free PMC article.
Detecting implicit racial bias in provider communication behaviors to reduce disparities in healthcare: Challenges, solutions, and future directions for provider communication training. Hagiwara N, Elston Lafata J, Mezuk B, Vrana SR, Fetters MD.Patient Educ Couns. 2019 Sep;102(9):1738-1743. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.04.023. Epub 2019 Apr 19.PMID: 31036330Free PMC article.
Implicit Bias: What Every Pediatrician Should Know About the Effect of Bias on Health and Future Directions. Schnierle J, Christian-Brathwaite N, Louisias M.Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2019 Feb;49(2):34-44. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2019.01.003. Epub 2019 Feb 6.PMID: 30738896Free PMC article.Review.
A decade of studying implicit racial/ethnic bias in healthcare providers using the implicit association test. Maina IW, Belton TD, Ginzberg S, Singh A, Johnson TJ.Soc Sci Med. 2018 Feb;199:219-229. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.05.009. Epub 2017 May 4.PMID: 28532892Review.