Whites' racial identity

September 6 2006 - What whites think about their own race is the focus of an innovative national survey by Doug Hartmann, associate professor and Paul Croll, graduate student in the University of Minnesota's department of sociology. Analysis of responses from more than 2000 households nationwide showed that there is more recognition among white people of their own racial identity and the social privileges that come with it than was previously thought.

Doug Hartmann said that a previous common assumption was that whites overlooked their own race: "It's sort of like having an accent. For some white Americans, racial identity is so fixed, so taken for granted, that 'race' becomes something other people have."

In fact, the researchers found that a majority of whites (74 per cent) felt that their own racial identity was important to them, and that a similar majority perceived prejudice and discrimination as important factors in explaining white advantage. Minorities were more likely to see their racial identities as important and to see structural reasons for racial disparities.

The research also suggests that awareness of identity and privilege do not always co-exist. "The fact of the matter is that people claim white identity for defensive as well as progressive reasons," said Paul Croll.

The researchers found that age and income had little impact on the outcome of the study. Southerners and social conservatives placed more emphasis on their racial identity than other white Americans, while those with more education placed less. Republican and male respondents most strongly resisted the concept that discrimination in legal and financial systems can explain white advantage. Regardless of racial identity, respondents believed strongly in the importance of individual effort, hard work and family upbringing in achieving success.

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