Watch out for Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias, is a form of social and psychological prejudice that occurs subconsciously. It is an automatic and often difficult-to-detect mental process that can lead to the making of prejudiced and discriminatory decisions. Though we like to think that our minds are rational and open, research has increasingly shown that implicit bias has a real and measurable effect on how we interact, perceive, and process others whether in a work setting or in social situations.

One example of an unconscious bias is an affinity bias, or the tendency to prefer those who share characteristics with yourself. An affinity bias can be seen in a hiring setting, when a person of the same gender, race, age, or background as the interviewer is more likely to be hired than someone who does not share any of those characteristics. This form of bias can also occur in everyday social exchanges and affect people's decisions and behavior subconsciously, leading to unfair treatment and potential discrimination.

Implicit biases differ from explicit biases in that they are subconscious and are derived from our environment and cultural norms. They develop and evolve over time as we observe, enculturate, and interpret the snippets of information that comprise mindful experience and our place within a larger social context. Unlike explicit biases, which are more consciously held and easily identified and communicated, implicit biases are more subtly expressed in verbal and nonverbal communication, public and private behavior, and systemic social power dynamics.

Implicit biases can have a major impact on decision-making and can lead to poor outcomes for members of targeted groups, such as in employment, criminal justice, education, and healthcare settings. Implicit biases can lead to subtle psychological forms of discrimination and unjust treatment, such as being passed over for a promotion, being assumed to be less competent, or being subjected to less favorable terms in an employment contract. Furthermore, implicit biases are often perpetuated in institutional practices and social structures, making them incredibly difficult to dismantle.

Acknowledging and confronting the realities of unconscious bias is a crucial step in achieving equity and social justice. We must begin by acknowledging our own biases and doing the work to understand and combat them. We must look for biases in our institutions and act to dismantle them. We must identify and challenge the systems of power that privilege certain groups and advance unfair practices. Finally, we must provide meaningful training and resources to staff, managers, and those in positions of power to ensure that everyone has equitable access to opportunities and resources.

Though the task of reducing bias can appear daunting, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to create a more equitable and just society. We must remain open to having difficult conversations and unlearning problematic behavior. Only then can we begin to make progress in creating an environment that welcomes and respects differences, marginalized identities, and existing power dynamics.

Here are some steps to address unconscious bias.

Firstly, individuals should become aware of their own biases and take steps to recognize and counteract them. This can include self-awareness exercises, reading diverse perspectives, and having conversations with people of diverse backgrounds. Organizations can provide implicit bias training for their staff, which can help to identify and challenge unconscious biases within the workplace. They can also create an environment that is open to diversity, with policies, procedures, and resources in place to support an inclusive work atmosphere. Furthermore, organizations should also strive to cultivate an atmosphere in which employees feel comfortable speaking up and voicing their concerns around issues of bias and discrimination.

The choice is yours and yours alone. Unconscious bias is unavoidable. However, it is possible to overcome. The first step to overcoming unconscious bias is to become aware of the biases that exist within yourself, your workplace, and society at large. Recognizing that unconscious bias is a real problem and understanding how it can manifest in your thoughts and actions is essential for being able to move forward. Educate yourself through books, articles, and conversations with diverse groups of people on how to recognize and combat your own biases. With knowledge and understanding, you can begin to take steps towards dismantling the existing systems of power and creating a more equitable and inclusive society.