Anticipating Discrimination Shapes Relationships
Discrimination is when someone judges another person based on their personal characteristics such as race, gender, appearance, or disability. It can happen intentionally or unintentionally in many situations, including employment, housing, education, healthcare, and even social interactions. People who have experienced discrimination may develop defense mechanisms to cope with it, which are called relational coping strategies. These strategies help them navigate difficult situations without feeling powerless or defeated. Anticipation of discrimination can shape these coping strategies because people expect it to occur again in the future.
If a person has been rejected for a job due to their race, they may become hesitant about applying for other jobs in the same field. They might assume that all employers will be prejudiced against them, so they seek work outside of their desired industry. This coping strategy helps them avoid rejection but also limits opportunities for advancement and career growth. If they stay in this line of thinking long enough, they could give up on finding a fulfilling job altogether.
Another way anticipation of discrimination shapes relational coping strategies is by creating barriers between individuals from different backgrounds.
If two friends come from diverse ethnicities, one may fear that the other will not understand them or accept them fully. To protect themselves from this potential rejection, they may avoid sharing personal details or avoid getting too close emotionally. While this coping strategy may prevent hurt feelings in the short term, it can lead to distance over time.
Anticipating discrimination can cause people to feel isolated and alone. They may withdraw from social groups or activities where they think they won't be accepted. As a result, they miss out on opportunities to build relationships with others who share similar experiences or interests.
This can make them feel disconnected from society at large and less likely to trust new acquaintances.
Anticipation of discrimination can impact how people interact with others in various ways. It can cause them to limit their options, create emotional barriers, and isolate themselves socially. While these coping strategies may help people manage difficult situations, they can also limit their ability to connect with others and pursue meaningful relationships. Understanding how these effects shape our interactions is essential for promoting greater understanding and respect within communities.
In what ways does anticipation of discrimination shape relational coping strategies?
Anticipating discrimination shapes relational coping strategies by influencing how individuals perceive and interact with others from different social groups. Research shows that people who expect to be treated unfairly based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics tend to adopt defensive behaviors when engaging with members of these groups.