Biological conceptions of race and the motivation to cross racial boundaries.
The present studies demonstrate that conceiving of racial group membership as biologically determined increases acceptance of racial inequities (Studies 1 and 2) and cools interest in interacting with racial outgroup members (Studies 3-5). These effects were generally independent of racial prejudice. It is argued that when race is cast as a biological marker of individuals, people perceive racial outgroup members as unrelated to the self and therefore unworthy of attention and affiliation. Biological conceptions of race therefore provide justification for a racially inequitable status quo and for the continued social marginalization of historically disadvantaged groups.
Williams
Melissa J
MJ
Department of Psychology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. melissa@berkeley.edu
Eberhardt
Jennifer L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001695:Biology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D044469:Racial Groups; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception