Teaching liberals about white privilege makes them blame poor whites more

[Bill the Cat]

Source: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxge0000605

Complex intersections of race and class: Among social liberals, learning about White privilege reduces sympathy, increases blame, and decreases external attributions for White people struggling with poverty.


White privilege lessons are sometimes used to increase awareness of racism. However, little research has investigated the consequences of these lessons. Across 2 studies (N = 1,189), we hypothesized that White privilege lessons may both highlight structural privilege based on race, and simultaneously decrease sympathy for other challenges some White people endure (e.g., poverty)—especially among social liberals who may be particularly receptive to structural explanations of inequality. Indeed, both studies revealed that while social liberals were overall more sympathetic to poor people than social conservatives, reading about White privilege decreased their sympathy for a poor White (vs. Black) person. Moreover, these shifts in sympathy were associated with greater punishment/blame and fewer external attributions for a poor White person’s plight. We conclude that, among social liberals, White privilege lessons may increase beliefs that poor White people have failed to take advantage of their racial privilege—leading to negative social evaluations.

© Copyright Original Source

[tabibito]

Source: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fxge0000605

Complex intersections of race and class: Among social liberals, learning about White privilege reduces sympathy, increases blame, and decreases external attributions for White people struggling with poverty.


White privilege lessons are sometimes used to increase awareness of racism. However, little research has investigated the consequences of these lessons. Across 2 studies (N = 1,189), we hypothesized that White privilege lessons may both highlight structural privilege based on race, and simultaneously decrease sympathy for other challenges some White people endure (e.g., poverty)—especially among social liberals who may be particularly receptive to structural explanations of inequality. Indeed, both studies revealed that while social liberals were overall more sympathetic to poor people than social conservatives, reading about White privilege decreased their sympathy for a poor White (vs. Black) person. Moreover, these shifts in sympathy were associated with greater punishment/blame and fewer external attributions for a poor White person’s plight. We conclude that, among social liberals, White privilege lessons may increase beliefs that poor White people have failed to take advantage of their racial privilege—leading to negative social evaluations.

© Copyright Original Source

Was anyone surprised by the findings?

[Cow Poke]

Was anyone surprised by the findings?

I was absolutely stunned. It will take a trip to Golden Corral's all you can eat buffet to even begin to get over the shock.

[Sparko]

My dad's family comes from Appalachia - where there are some of the poorest people in the world, white and black. And that was BEFORE Obama shut down the only means of support they had, working in coal mines. No white privilege back there.

[tabibito]

My dad's family comes from Appalachia - where there are some of the poorest people in the world, white and black. And that was BEFORE Obama shut down the only means of support they had, working in coal mines. No white privilege back there.

Half an hour in the mines - who could tell the difference anyway, before the people showered?

[mossrose]

Half an hour in the mines - who could tell the difference anyway, before the people showered?

They'd likely be accused of cultural appropriation nowadays.

[Cow Poke]

Half an hour in the mines - who could tell the difference anyway, before the people showered?

The first half hour is just the elevator ride down to the job site.

[KingsGambit]

I have the same question Roger Olson (the theology professor) has. Why doesn't anybody talk about "rich privilege"? That's easier to demonstrate and should be much less controversial.

[Zymologist]

I have the same question Roger Olson (the theology professor) has. Why doesn't anybody talk about "rich privilege"? That's easier to demonstrate and should be much less controversial.

I would add "pretty privilege," and, after having given this some thought, "neurological privilege" as well (for example, non-autistic people).

[tabibito]

Or maybe do away with the whole divisive "them and us" culture and affirm people as people?

Nah ... never happen. Too many people demanding the opportunity to get offended, even if they have to manufacture their own excuses to do it.

[Cow Poke]

I have the same question Roger Olson (the theology professor) has. Why doesn't anybody talk about "rich privilege"? That's easier to demonstrate and should be much less controversial.

Reminds me of darling Texas Governor Ann "Ma" Richards.... "Poor George -- he can't help it -- he was born with a silver foot in his mouth".

[Zymologist]

Or maybe do away with the whole divisive "them and us" culture and affirm people as people?

Nah ... never happen. Too many people demanding the opportunity to get offended, even if they have to manufacture their own excuses to do it.

That's one of my main issues with "privilege" talk in general: if we treat individuals as individuals, I don't see why it's necessary in the first place.

[KingsGambit]

Or maybe do away with the whole divisive "them and us" culture and affirm people as people?

Nah ... never happen. Too many people demanding the opportunity to get offended, even if they have to manufacture their own excuses to do it.

I think it is legitimate to talk about disadvantages that poverty provides that others do not have, such as structural barriers to starting new jobs (licensing fees, being able to afford unpaid training time, being able to afford nice clothes for interviews, transportation in the event of jobs that require mobility, etc.) This does not require putting anybody down.

[tabibito]

licensing fees, being able to afford unpaid training time, being able to afford nice clothes for interviews, transportation in the event of jobs that require mobility

Meeting such needs would be a matter of giving people a leg-up, rather than a hand-out. So - raise the people with needs to the level where they have a fighting chance.
Virtue signalling and shouting about unfairness and privelege does nothing to address the problems - but it does fuel resentment, and does promote the idea that making an effort is a waste of time.

[carpedm9587]

Was anyone surprised by the findings?

I certainly was not