Attributing disadvantage to structural causes boosts self-esteem in Blacks

Evidence

What is now known as “institutional racism” more broadly implicates the effects of systemic bias that are not necessarily linked to a given person or even racial group ( Jones, 1997). In particular, system blaming and justification are two types of systems perception that have been investigated. System blame, the tendency to perceive structural inequalities as a source of individual and group disadvantage, has been associated with positive self-esteem in Blacks (Crocker, Luhtanen, Brodnax & Blaine, 1999). Targets of discrimination are more likely to believe that outcomes (positive or negative) are due more to structural determinants than personal character (Kleugel & Smith, 1986). Whether this perception is an ego-defensive projection or ideological perception, it is not one of the defenses proposed by Allport. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1070 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

In particular, system blaming and justification are two types of systems perception that have been investigated. System blame, the tendency to perceive structural inequalities as a source of individual and group disadvantage, has been associated with positive self-esteem in Blacks (Crocker, Luhtanen, Brodnax & Blaine, 1999). Targets of discrimination are more likely to believe that outcomes (positive or negative) are due more to structural determinants than personal character (Kleugel & Smith, 1986). Whether this perception is an ego-defensive projection or ideological perception, it is not one of the defenses proposed by Allport. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1070 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

As opposed to Allport’s intrapersonal level of analysis, research over the past several decades has implicated macrolevel perceptions of structural and enduring elements of discriminatory practice. What is now known as “institutional racism” more broadly implicates the effects of systemic bias that are not necessarily linked to a given person or even racial group ( Jones, 1997). In particular, system blaming and justification are two types of systems perception that have been investigated. System blame, the tendency to perceive structural inequalities as a source of individual and group disadvantage, has been associated with positive self-esteem in Blacks (Crocker, Luhtanen, Brodnax & Blaine, 1999). Targets of discrimination are more likely to believe that outcomes (positive or negative) are due more to structural determinants than personal character (Kleugel & Smith, 1986). Whether this perception is an ego-defensive projection or ideological perception, it is not one of the defenses proposed by Allport. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1070 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Affiliation and rejection behaviors function as second-order boosts to self-esteem. — Anthony G. Greenwald and Mahzarin R. Banaji, Implicit Social Cognition: Attitudes,…, 162; Attributing disadvantage to structural causes rather than personal character protects self-esteem. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1070; Blaming structural inequality for outcomes protects self-esteem in disadvantaged groups — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1070 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Attributing disadvantage to structural causes rather than personal character protects self-esteem. #corroborates (0.97) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1070
• Blaming structural inequality for outcomes protects self-esteem in disadvantaged groups #corroborates (0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1070
• Attributing disadvantage to systemic bias predicts positive self-esteem. #corroborates (0.92) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1070