Final answer:
Gaertner and Dovidio's theory of aversive racism suggests that individuals who believe in equality can possess unconscious racial biases leading to unintentional discrimination. This concept emphasizes the complexity of modern racial prejudice, where biases can persist under the guise of non-racist beliefs. It involves the conflict between a public opposition to racism and the private, implicit biases that subtly influence behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dovidio and Samuel Gaertner proposed a theory of aversive racism, which is characterized by a conflict between the denial of personal prejudice and underlying unconscious negative feelings and beliefs, which may be unintentionally reflected in their decisions and actions. These individuals often identify as egalitarian and would deny any prejudiced attitudes; however, they possess implicit biases, which can lead to subtle forms of discrimination. Aversive racism is not necessarily apparent in overt actions but can be inferred from inactions or reluctance to help, which might be influenced by the race of the individual in need.
Aversive racism can be more difficult to detect than overt discrimination because it involves implicit attitudes and biases that individuals may not be consciously aware of. Despite professing egalitarian values, people with aversive racist tendencies might still act in ways that are influenced by unconscious racial biases, especially in situations where their behavior can be rationalized on non-racial grounds. This concept aligns with the idea that prejudice and discrimination have evolved to be subtler in nature in contemporary societies.
As such, aversive racism diverges from traditional views of racist attitudes and operates under a veneer of equality, making it insidious and challenging to combat. This form of racism captures the complex nature of prejudice in a society where overt racial discrimination is socially unacceptable yet racial inequalities persist.