Race-Based Threat Identification: Expressions of Fragility, Privilege, and Guilt in White Participants

• In Event: 3481 - Section on Social Psychology Refereed Roundtables (cosponsored with Section on Sociology of Emotions)
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 04. Fear and Social Status

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine race-based threat identification by members of a dominant racial group to identify feelings of white fragility, recognition of white privilege, and feelings of white guilt. We also sought to examine the impact of holding dual dominant identities (white-income above $50,000; white-Christian; white-male) and social dominance orientation on these “race feelings.” Analysis of both quantitative measures and qualitative responses for 245 participants showed that the majority of participants expressed feelings of white fragility (48.6%). Possessing the dual dominant identity of white-Christian was found to be marginally related to expressions of white fragility, and possessing the dual dominant identify of white-income above $50,000 was found to be marginally related to general threat identification. Participants who possessed the dual-dominant identity of white-male tended to express white fragility. Both dimensions of social dominance orientation—Dominance and Anti-egalitarianism—differed significantly between “race feelings” with both dimensions being significantly higher in participants expressing white fragility. It is essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of both the personal and societal factors that could lead to severe reactions to perceived identity-based threats.

Authors

• Nichole Bayliss, Chatham University

• Elizabeth M. Peace, Chatham University

• Nathan M. Lott, Chatham University

• Aubrey R. Shombert, Chatham University