| Popis: |
Racial inequality has been a persistent component of American society since before its inception. This research investigates how 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—predict perceptions of (Studies 1A & 1B) and reactions to (Studies 2 & 3) racial inequality in the criminal justice system. Specifically, the current research suggests that holding a more structural (v. interpersonal) racism view predicts a greater tendency to perceive racial inequality in criminal justice. Moreover, White Americans’ lay beliefs regarding racism, coupled with their general level of comfort with societal hierarchy, may predict support for policies that would reduce disparities in mass incarceration. Together, this work suggests that beliefs about the nature of racism—as either interpersonal or structural—may play an important role in how people perceive and respond to racial inequality. |
