Psychosocial characteristics of subtle and blatant racists as compared to tolerant individuals

Abstract

Studies in psychology have demonstrated that tolerant individuals demonstrate good psychological health and prejudiced individuals demonstrate poor psychosocial functioning. Past investigations have shown disturbances in interpersonal relationships for prejudiced individuals in childhood. Blatant racists aggressively assert that members of minority groups are inferior. Subtle racists blame social inequities on minority group cultures and customs. A questionnaire to distinguish tolerant individuals from blatant and subtle racists was employed. Tolerant individuals were shown to be psychologically healthier than both blatant and subtle racists. Both blatant and subtle racists show maladaptive patterns in psychosocial functioning. Both blatant and subtle racists report predicted disturbances in parental relationships, as well as insecure and hostile ties with peers.