Race
Race has a long and complicated history in the United States. According to research by psychologists and others, prejudice and discrimination are still problems in American society. Even people who think they’re not racist may have unconscious thoughts that lead to subtle discriminatory behaviors. Fortunately, the research also shows that contact between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds can reduce stereotyping and prejudice.
Adapted from APA's amicus brief on Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger.
Understanding Racism
- 'Not much has changed'
One of the Little Rock Nine, psychologist Terrence Roberts shares his thoughts on the state of racial equality in psychology and the country.
- Racism and Psychology
Racial prejudices not only are the basis for individual acts of discrimination, but they also allow people to justify unfair and destructive institutional and corporate practices. Although it can be difficult to change our prejudices, there are things everyone can do to fight racism.
- Segregation Ruled Unequal, and Therefore Unconstitutional
Psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark Ph.d demonstrated that segregation harmed Black children's self-images. Their testimony before the Supreme Court contributed to the landmark Supreme Court case that desegregated American public schools: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS.
Getting Help
News
-
Getting the doctor you want may depend on your gender, race, creed
August 1, 2010, USA Today
-
Mental health needs of immigrant children and families critical in immigration reform, psychologist says
July 15, 2010
-
New evidence of racial bias on SAT
June 21, 2010, Inside Higher Ed
-
Report: More marriages mix races or ethnicities than ever
June 3, 2010, USA TODAY
-
Skin color may affect the ability to empathize
May 27, 2010, CNN
-
Examining children’s racial biases
May 18, 2010, CNN
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Meeting Native Americans' needs
June 2010
- Can an all-white jury be fair to a black man?
April 2010
- Repairing psychology's leaky pipeline
November 2009
- Changing the way we see one another
March 2009
Books
- APA Handbook of Intercultural Communication
April 2010
- Studying Ethnic Minority and Economically Disadvantaged Populations
June 2009
- Dialogues on Difference
September 2006
- Preventing Youth Violence in a Multicultural Society
December 2005
APA Offices and Programs
- Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs
The Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs (OEMA) seeks to increase the scientific understanding of how both cultures pertain to psychology, and ethnicity.