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Has Racism Declined in America?

Author

Listed:
  • John B. McConahay

    (Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, Duke University)

  • Betty B. Hardee

    (Randolph-Macon Woman's College and Lynchburg College)

  • Valerie Batts

    (Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, Duke University)

Abstract

In recent years as public opinion polls have shown a decline in racist responses, white Americans have strongly resisted school desegregation and affirmative action programs. Hence, there has been a debate over the extent to which racism has really declined. The theory of modern racism addresses these issues, distinguishing between old-fashioned racial beliefs recognized by everyone as racism and a new set of beliefs arising from the conflicts of the civil rights movement. The theory proposes that antiblack feeling remains high and has been displaced from the socially undesirable old-fashioned beliefs onto the new beliefs where the racism is not recognized. Three experiments were performed; results showed that, regardless of context, the old-fashioned items were perceived as more likely to reveal prejudice. The results are discussed in terms of their significance for opinion polling and continuing racial conflict in America.

Suggested Citation

  • John B. McConahay & Betty B. Hardee & Valerie Batts, 1981. "Has Racism Declined in America?," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 25(4), pages 563-579, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:25:y:1981:i:4:p:563-579
    DOI: 10.1177/002200278102500401
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