Status Quo Diversity and Prejudice Reduction

Messaging that emphasizes rising immigration or minority birth rates can make diversity appear to be a looming loss, can activate status threat, prejudice, and increase support for restrictive immigration policies. However, most Americans misjudge the nation’s racial composition, raising the possibility that messaging that portrays diversity as the status quo can function as an anti-prejudice tool. Psychologist Jennifer Gutsell will examine whether presenting diversity as already high and the current status quo, as opposed to a future shift, can reduce prejudice. She will conduct a series of experimental studies for her project.