“Digital Transformation Search – Intersectionality in Social Cognition”
Hosted by the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Abstract: Intersectionality theory states that systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, and others interlock to uniquely shape people’s experiences of disadvantage and privilege. I highlight three uses for intersectionality to improve our theories in social cognition. Then, I demonstrate each of these uses via three matching empirical projects. The first use is revealing intersectional stereotyping; I demonstrate this use by showing how “being tall” impacts first impressions differently for Black men versus White men. The second use is revising psychological constructs to add nuance; I demonstrate this use by showing how femininity and masculinity are distinct dimensions in face perception, rather than two ends of one dimension. The third use is rethinking how discrimination emerges from stereotyping; I demonstrate this use by showing how intersectional patterns of discrimination can sometimes emerge from non-intersectional stereotypes. My future directions expand on these three uses and consider ways in which we can eventually develop better interventions for reducing discrimination.
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