3.2 Addressing unconscious bias and microaggressions
Unconscious bias can be defined as acting on the basis of false assumptions and beliefs. Sue and Spanierman (2020) argue that it must be identified and addressed to prevent ‘microaggressions’, that is subtle slights that are consciously, or unconsciously, targeted at marginalised groups, such as a person of a specific race or ethnicity. Section 3.3 includes a thought-provoking video which can also aid your understanding of microaggressions. Such microaggressions could be reflected in an educator who has low expectations of certain learners’ academic or language ability or who gives a learner inappropriate praise for simple everyday tasks.
Activity 8 Increasing awareness of unconscious bias
Consider the case study of Jolanta (from the Case studies). Jolanta is middle aged, single, left school early, has a disability, is low in confidence, and lives in a deprived area. What potential biases and expectations might you have when trying to support her with her upcoming assignment? What impact might these have on her learning experience?
Discussion
You may have thought about the risk of underestimating Jolanta’s academic abilities, due to ableism, that is assuming that her disability may limit her performance, or assumptions about her limited early education and living in a deprived area. Ageism and sexism may also play a part. Based on these assumptions, an educator might unnecessarily suggest a weaker assignment or perhaps suggest preliminary activities, such as making or reading notes, that Jolanta has already carried out independently and well. Such conscious or unconscious subtle communication of low expectations can potentially undermine Jolanta’s confidence, self-esteem and aspirations. One strategy to reduce bias could be to ask Jolanta how best you can support her, and you can draw on your learning from Week 3 to inform your conversations.
Ableism, ageism, sexism, and negative stereotypes about living in a deprived area or early school leavers, are all potential parts of one’s own cultural lenses that have been acquired throughout life. Increasing awareness of unconscious bias can help stop microaggressions occurring.