In The Eyes of The Beholders: Status Acuity Drives Recognition of Subtle Discrimination In Backhanded Compliments and Support For Affected Individuals

Authors:

Abstract: This work explores why backhanded compliments (i.e., when disadvantaged individuals receive comments that are outwardly positive but subtly undermining by comparing them to a negative stereotype of their group that is presumed to be lower status) sometimes go under-addressed. We propose that one major factor contributing to its prevalence is the difficulty in consistently recognizing such discrimination. Building on theories of status and perceptions, we propose that status acuity is key to recognizing such discrimination and taking actions. We argue that, in scenarios involving backhanded compliments against disadvantaged individuals, observers with higher status acuity perceive a higher level of discrimination than those with lower status acuity, prompting them to extend support to the victims. Results from two experiments supported their hypotheses. This research helps enrich the literature on addressing subtle discrimination in the workplace and uncover a novel and significant implication of status acuity for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) issues.

Track: DEI

Keywords: Status, discrimination, diversity, inequality