Dec 15, 2024 Story by: Editor
The field of psychology has long been a cornerstone for understanding human behavior, thoughts, intelligence, and emotions. However, it is critical to confront the field’s racist history and its role in perpetuating anti-Black racism. Scholars have historically advanced research rooted in Whiteness, reinforcing harmful stereotypes of Black individuals and establishing a racial hierarchy where Whiteness is upheld as the standard for acceptability. This pseudoscience informed policies on sterilization, segregation, intelligence testing, and immigration, all of which strategically marginalized and devalued Black communities (see APA’s Historical Chronology page).
Such narratives transcended academic journals, laying the groundwork for systemic discrimination. Whiteness became the “frame for educational and scientific practices,” influencing public policy, scientific advancements, and clinical interventions. Today, psychology’s legacy of sustaining white supremacy persists. As defined, “Whiteness” encompasses the overt and subliminal practices, power structures, laws, privileges, and experiences that favor the white racial group over all others.
The Persistence of Whiteness in Academia
The psychological workforce remains predominantly white, and academic institutions challenge Black students and faculty to continuously prove their worth and intellectual capabilities. Historically, these institutions were designed to uplift individuals of European ancestry with pre-existing advantages in economic, political, and religious status (see Wiggan et al., 2023; Zembylas, 2021).
Lee J. Cronbach, a prominent educational psychologist, observed this dynamic, stating, “The psychologist’s job… is to facilitate or anticipate natural selection… He takes the system for granted and tries to identify who will fit into it. His devices have a conservative influence because they identify persons who will succeed in the existing institution. By reducing failures, they remove a challenge which might otherwise force the institution to change.” This perspective underscores the academy’s role in perpetuating oppressive systems and excluding those who challenge its norms.
Whiteness dictates the education, research, clinical training, and mental health services within psychology (Helms, 2016). Black trainees often face discrimination, such as having their abilities undermined, clinical progress stymied, and recommendation letters impacted by biases. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the field (Galán et al., 2023).
Even Black mentors, who play a critical role in supporting Black trainees, encounter anti-Blackness that hinders their career progression. Additionally, the concept of “cultural taxation” disproportionately burdens Black scholars with increased mentorship duties and participation in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives without proper acknowledgment or compensation (Padilla, 1994; Johnson-Bailey et al., 2009). This extra workload contributes to the departure of Black professionals from academic and clinical settings, leaving Black communities without culturally competent mental health providers (Gaston et al., 2016; Moore-Lobban, 2023).
Consequences of Anti-Black Racism
Structural racism in higher education and the mental health profession creates hostile environments for Black professionals, marked by microaggressions, marginalization, and emotional labor tied to their identity. Over time, these experiences take a toll on their personal well-being. The tragic death by suicide of a dedicated Black scholar highlights the devastating impact of systemic racism in academia. Reports reveal this scholar faced bullying, harassment, and racial discrimination by institutional leadership, but their concerns were often ignored.
This heartbreaking loss underscores the need for urgent action to address the dehumanizing practices that undermine the well-being of Black academics. The immense effort Black scholars invest in honoring their heritage, breaking barriers, and representing their communities often goes unrecognized, overshadowed by the dominance of Whiteness.
Recommendations for Change
Although psychology has made strides in acknowledging anti-Black racism, its roots remain embedded in the field. To support Black scholars and promote equity, systemic changes are essential. Surface-level diversity initiatives are insufficient; the field must shift from pathologizing Blackness to embracing practices of equity, justice, and liberation.
To live unapologetically and combat Whiteness, the following actions are recommended:
- Build and Strengthen Community
Foster networks among Black scholars and allies to dismantle anti-Blackness and provide mentorship and guidance across career stages. - Engage in Culturally Sustaining Research
Conduct research that honors Black experiences and challenges systemic biases that discourage such work. - Prioritize Anti-Oppressive Scholarship
Attend and present at conferences focused on anti-bias and anti-oppressive research to create meaningful collaborations. - Advance Research with Purpose
Address systemic inequities through research that delivers practical solutions for marginalized communities. - Center Black Joy and Self-Care
Celebrate Black joy and prioritize self-care to sustain health and longevity in the field. - Commit to Mentorship and Guidance
Support Black scholars at all career stages, sharing strategies to navigate exclusionary academic spaces.
Psychology must diversify its workforce, value Black scholars, and center the lived experiences of Black people in research and clinical settings. Only by confronting systemic biases and uprooting Whiteness can the field move toward an equitable and inclusive future. Source: Psychology Today
