As humans, we are constantly making judgments based on available information in order to survive. Some of those judgments involve categorizing people and places as “good” or “bad.” When we don’t have any available information—for example, we have not had any experience with that person or place—we might draw from our unconscious learnings from childhood, community, and the media, and make assumptions. These assumptions are often stereotypes or generalizations that have been allowed to propagate in society, and they are flawed. They tell a very narrow story. And they also reveal biases.
Implicit bias, sometimes called unconscious bias, refers to a preference someone holds but does not immediately acknowledge or see. All people have such biases; they do not necessarily mean that an individual is racist, sexist, ageist, or so on. However, in social work, biases can limit one’s ability to engage in ethical and culturally competent practice. It is therefore important to uncover these biases and interrogate them.
For this Journal, you take a brief test designed to reveal implicit biases and then reflect on the experience.
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
Submita 1- to 2-page written journal or 4- to 5-minute video or audio journal focusing on themes of bias and self-awareness. Address the following:
If you integrate the Learning Resources, make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.
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