title: Essentializing race: its implications on racial categorization.
abstract: Racial classification has drawn increasing attention in public discourse; it intertwines with issues related to racialized perceptions. However, few social psychological studies have systematically examined racial categorization processes and their implications for interracial relations. In 5 studies, we investigated the role of racial essentialism in influencing several important psychological aspects of racial categorization. Results linked the belief in racial essentialism to an increased tendency to engage in race-based categorization (Studies 1-3) and greater sensitivity in discerning racial group membership (Studies 4-5). These results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding and managing interracial relations in the United States.
authors: Department of Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong. mchao@ust.hk
authors: Melody Manchi
authors: MM
authors: Chao
authors: Ying-yi
authors: YY
authors: Hong
authors: Chi-yue
authors: CY
authors: Chiu
mesh_terms: D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003469:Culture; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011822:Race Relations; D063505:Racism; D012933:Social Identification; D013240:Stereotyping; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult