The Role of Race, Racism, and Group Relevant Social Issues

Abstract

Communication research posits that white individuals historically express opposition to various racialized social issues (e.g. immigration and welfare), and this disapproval is often associated with negative attitudes toward racial minority groups. Investigations of this nature are warranted, given the history of systemic and institutional discrimination targeting racial minorities. Yet, an examination of these beliefs, solely among white individuals outside of a dual racialized perspective, lacks. Applying assumptions from critical whiteness studies, social identity, and self-categorization theories, the current study, using a cross-sectional adult sample (n = 143), examines the relationship between racial identity salience among white individuals and judgment towards non-racialized social problems. Results suggest that highly-identified, compared to lowly-identified white people, implementing multiple regression and hierarchical regression analyses, exhibit harsh judgment toward social issues, absent racial context. Also these outcomes are more prevalent when controlling for education and political identification, but not class status. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of group identification and protective mechanisms exercised to protect identity and promote social comparisons. Lastly, outcomes refute claims that white racial identity is insignificant among all white people.