We cannot empathize with what we do not recognize: Perceptions of structural versus interpersonal racism in South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Recent research suggests holding a structural, rather than interpersonal, understanding of racism is associated with greater impetus to address racial disparities. We believe greater acknowledgment of structural racism also functions to mitigate against empathic failures in response to structural injustices. Given South Africa's situatedness as a country characterized by historical racialized oppression and continuing unjust legacies, it is appropriate to examine these ideas there. Across three studies, we tested the hypotheses that members of advantaged groups' perspective taking and empathic concern may be compromised in response to people challenging the unequal status quo, and that a priori perceptions about the impact of structural (vs interpersonal) racism may mitigate

SUBMITTER: Fourie MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9555212 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature