Key Definitions

The beginning of the work to create a world where each of us experiences fairness, dignity, and belonging is to understand what can get in the way. These are brief definitions of some of the core concepts that are part of that journey.

Identity differences

The components of the self (e.g. race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, class status, educational background, etc.) that result in people being sorted into culturally or institutionally relevant groups.

Race

Race is a social construct that categorizes people in ways to maintain social status and hierarchy.

Ethnicity

A population group whose members identify with each other on the basis of common nationality or shared cultural traditions.

Explicit bias

The attitudes and beliefs we have about a group of people on a conscious level.

Implicit bias

The brain’s automatic association of stereotypes or attitudes about identity groups, often without conscious awareness.

Identity anxiety

Identity anxiety is a stress response before, during or after a cross-group interaction. People from “out-groups” may fear that they will experience bias or discrimination. People from “in-groups” may fear that their words or actions will be seen as biased.

Stereotype threat

The underperformance that results from a person being concerned about confirming a negative stereotype about their group.

Identity Threat

The fear of loss of power for one’s own identity group.

Racial Anxiety

Refers to the heightened levels of stress and emotion that we confront when interacting with people of other races.