Microaggressions are subtle verbal or nonverbal insults that target marginalized groups and can have significant impact on individuals' careers and self-esteem. Microaggressions include comments about race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, weight, appearance, or socioeconomic status. They may seem harmless but can cause lasting harm.
A white person telling an Asian person they speak "good English" is a microaggression that reinforces stereotypes and discrimination against Asians.
Social exclusion involves being intentionally or unintentionally left out of social groups or activities. It can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and low self-worth. Individuals who experience social exclusion may be less likely to pursue professional opportunities, resulting in lower salaries and promotions.
Peer acceptance refers to feeling accepted and supported by peers in one's workplace or academic environment. This can include things like respect for individual skills, contributions, ideas, and opinions. Peer acceptance can boost confidence, motivation, and job satisfaction, leading to better career development and self-perception. On the other hand, lack of peer acceptance can lead to burnout, frustration, and resentment.
Experiences of microaggressions, social exclusion, and peer acceptance can all affect long-term career development and self-perception. Those who experience microaggressions are more likely to feel isolated, undervalued, and marginalized, which can limit their potential and contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Individuals experiencing social exclusion may struggle with finding meaningful work or advancing within their careers due to limited networking and support systems.
Those without peer acceptance may feel unmotivated, burnt out, and disengaged, leading to poor performance and decreased productivity.
These experiences can damage self-esteem and diminish one's sense of belonging in the workplace.
How do experiences of microaggressions, social exclusion, or peer acceptance affect long-term career development and self-perception?
The impact of these types of experiences on long-term career development and self-perception can be far-reaching and complex. Research has shown that exposure to microaggressions can lead to decreased job satisfaction, reduced commitment to one's organization, and increased intent to leave the workplace (Toronto et al. , 2018).