| Popis: |
Racial inequality has been a persistent component of American society since before the nation's inception. The aim of this chapter is to consider the potential role of lay beliefs about the nature of racism—as primarily due to prejudiced individuals or, rather, to structural factors that disadvantage members of particular racial groups—in shaping perceptions of, and reactions to, societal racial inequality. Specifically, we review research examining the motivational and educational underpinnings of holding a structural understanding of racism and then consider some of the potential consequences of holding a structural, rather than more interpersonal, understanding of racism. We close with a discussion of the broader implications of accounting for lay beliefs about the nature of racism, especially holding a structural belief, in research exploring the psychological factors that shape responses to racial inequality and discuss potential future directions for research. |
