Why ‘unconscious bias’ is not a helpful term
I have been studying racism and other forms of discrimination for well over 40 years. Much has changed during that time, but much has stayed the same. One example of the latter is the tendency to try to understand racism in individualistic terms, rather than broader sociological (or sociopolitical) terms. While psychology certainly has much to offer in developing our understanding, there is a danger in focusing narrowly on psychological factors without taking account of the wider cultural and structural factors that have such a strong impact on attitudes and behaviour at the personal level.
It is for this reason that I have had mixed feelings about the growing use of the term ‘unconscious bias’. I am certainly not suggesting that it is not a valid term or concept. Indeed, it highlights a very significant issue (or set of issues). What is very positive about it is that it has contributed to greater awareness and consideration of racism and anti-racism (with the added benefit of a knock-on effect of stimulating discussion of discrimination and oppression more widely). Another benefit is that it helps to highlight that anyone can (unwittingly) contribute to racism, not just dyed-in-the-wool proponents of racism (or racialism, to use the technical term).
However, what is unfortunate about the use of the term ‘unconscious bias’ is that it has distinctly Freudian connotations. It strongly suggests that the problem is within the individual, something embedded deep within their psyche. It gives the impression that the answer to racism is to change the way people think. And, while that may well have a role to play, it is certainly not the whole story. Such an approach can be described as ‘sociologically naïve’ — that is, an approach that fails to take account of the very significant role of wider social factors. These would include the role of stereotypes, the part played by social institutions, such as the education system and the media and social structures.
The individualistic tone of the term distracts attention from the highly significant role of social and political factors, such as dominant ideologies that reinforce structures of inequality and disadvantage. Yes, there certainly is bias against certain groups in society, but this is not simply a matter of personal prejudice — it is much more complex than that. What we need, then, is an approach that appreciates — and addresses — the complexities. Unconscious bias points us in the wrong direction when it comes to developing a holistic approach that does justice to the welter of factors involved.
I was in the early stages of my career when the issues around anti-racism first started to be taken seriously in the 1980s. I very much welcomed this new development at that point, but I ended up being disappointed that what followed was to a large extent characterised by some worrying oversimplifications. We have made some significant progress since those early days, but still have a very long way to go. However, it would be very sad indeed if we were to allow those oversimplifications to creep back in and halt the progress that we very much need to make.
Dr Neil Thompson is an independent writer, educator, a visiting professor at the Open University and an adviser to the Vigoroom workplace wellbeing platform (www.vigoroom.co.uk). His Academy at www.NeilThompson.info offers an annual subscription service giving access to 60 of his online courses. This is available to individuals for less than £2 per course or a corporate subscription for up to 300 staff at just £3,000 +VAT.
