Perceiving and Claiming Discrimination

Abstract

This chapter reviews social psychological theory and research examining the extent and conditions under which people perceive themselves as victims of discrimination and/or publicly claim that they have been discriminated against. Evidence indicates that perceptions of discrimination directed against the self vary widely, and depend on characteristics of the person, the situation, and the social structure. People who do perceive themselves as victims of discrimination are often reluctant to make this claim publicly. This reluctance occurs in part because individuals who claim they are victims of discrimination are viewed negatively by others even when the claim is well justified. Discussion highlights the complexity involved in detecting prejudice and the social costs associated with claiming discrimination.