SBS Diversity Postdoctoral Fellows Lecture features Deborah S. Holoien, PhD, postdoctoral fellow in psychology, to speak on “Do You Really Understand? When Desire to Affiliate Backfires in Interracial Interactions.”
Abstract:
Historically, researchers have studied interracial interactions by focusing on whites' prejudice toward racial minorities. Less attention has been given to understanding how whites' seemingly good intentions can contribute to negative interracial interactions. In my research, I examine how whites' desire to affiliate with blacks can inadvertently harm interracial interactions by producing asymmetries in understanding between whites and blacks. I find that whites' desire to affiliate with blacks leads them to overestimate how well they understand blacks' racial experiences compared to how understood blacks feel. This asymmetry in understanding can harm intergroup social support and close relationships. Despite whites' good intentions, their desire to affiliate with blacks may ultimately prevent positive contact experiences across racial lines.
The event is free and open to all. For information, contact Kathleen M. McGraw, mcgraw.36@osu.edu
