Description:

"The Development of Racial Bias Awareness"

by Sylvia Perry, Associate Professor of Psychology and IPR Fellow.

Abstract: Racism continues to permeate U.S. society today. Although many White parents acknowledge the persistence of racism, they often find it challenging to discuss race openly and honestly with their children. This talk explores why many White parents in the U.S. struggle to discuss race and racism with their children and ways to overcome these challenges. First, Perry will discuss some common reasons why White parents avoid engaging in these conversations with their children. Next, she will present data showing how guided discussions on racism—especially those in which parents explicitly identify and discuss instances of racism with their children—can effectively reduce pro-White implicit biases in both White parents and their children. Additionally, Perry will discuss how parents' awareness of their own racial biases influences their readiness to engage in these conversations and how this awareness connects to other challenging discussions. Finally, she will explore how these insights can inform interventions and policies to help parents and child-facing professionals navigate racial socialization and other challenging conversations with children.

This event is part of the Fay Lomax Cook Fall 2024 Colloquium Series, where our researchers from around the University share their latest policy-relevant research.

Please note all colloquia this quarter will be held in-person only.