Unconscious Bias - key concepts

Unconscious bias is the subliminal stereotyping that every single one of us holds – beliefs about social groups, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, job etc.  This implicit bias is far more prevalent than overt or obvious prejudice because it is not acknowledged.

Though these beliefs, which reflect in behaviour, are ‘hard wired’ in us from an early age (nature and nurture contributing), there is research from psychologists to suggest that we can reshape our implicit attitudes and beliefs – or at least curb their effects on our behaviour.  This is, in fact, how cognitive behavioural therapy works for example by addressing core beliefs, getting to the heart of the unconscious and implicit bias which influences how we behave.

"There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life,” Jesse Jackson once told an audience, “than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery—then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved.”

This comment reflects how that even a committed civil-rights leader reacts to the unconscious bias that has been ‘programmed’ into him by society, even though he was probably at equal risk for completely different reasons.

Our minds have preconceived perceptions that, without our permission or awareness, color our perceptions, expectations and judgments.

“The persistence of explicit bias in contemporary culture has led some critics to maintain that implicit bias is of secondary concern. But hundreds of studies of implicit bias show that its effects can be equally insidious. Most social psychologists believe that certain scenarios can automatically activate implicit stereotypes and attitudes, which then can affect our perceptions, judgments and behavior. “The data on that are incontrovertible,” concludes psychologist Russell H. Fazio of Ohio State University.”*

Working with a leading UK psychologist, Angie and her team have developed a series of programmes and on line assessments aimed at helping individuals understand unconscious bias and how to use it to operate as a positive – developing an understand for diversity and inclusion that acknowledges the natural bias each of us has.  Without acknowledging and acting on bias, this can have a detrimental effect on the organisation, team or individual: “It’s the behaviour of the individuals in an organisation that act out the bias – no matter what ‘tick box’ policies are in place.”

For more information please click on the links below:

A choice of interventions
Unconscious bias overview
One day intensive programme

* Source: Scientific American

To find out more or to arrange a preliminary discussion please e-mail info@angela-peacock.com