In today's society, individuals are often faced with a multitude of factors that can influence their decisions, relational strategies, and emotional authenticity. These factors include but are not limited to societal norms, values, expectations, and beliefs.
One significant factor that plays a crucial role in shaping these aspects is internalized societal biases. Internalized societal biases refer to the unconscious attitudes and beliefs that an individual has about themselves and others based on social constructions such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, etc., which they have learned from childhood. This article will explore how internalized societal biases shape decision-making, relational strategies, and emotional authenticity in detail.
Let us consider decision making. Internalized societal biases can impact an individual's ability to make sound decisions.
If someone holds negative views towards a particular group or identity, they may make decisions based on those biased beliefs rather than objective data or facts. Such as, if someone believes women are inferior to men, they may be less likely to support policies aimed at promoting gender equality or hire more women into leadership positions, even if research shows that women bring different perspectives and skills to the table. Similarly, if someone feels that homosexuality is wrong, they may avoid gay people or refuse to engage with them in meaningful relationships, despite evidence showing no difference between heterosexual and homosexual relationships in terms of happiness or success.
Internalized societal biases also influence relational strategies. An individual who holds negative views towards a certain group or identity may struggle to form healthy and fulfilling relationships with members of that group. They may find it challenging to communicate openly, empathize with their partners, or build trust. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining long-term relationships and experiencing intimacy.
If someone believes that black people are violent or unintelligent, they may be reluctant to date black people and may have difficulty forming deep connections with them.
Internalized societal biases can affect emotional authenticity. Emotional authenticity refers to being true to one's feelings and expressing them authentically without fear or inhibition.
When an individual has internalized negative stereotypes about themselves or others, they may suppress or distort their emotions to conform to social norms.
If someone believes that only straight people experience love, they may struggle to identify as queer or bisexual due to a lack of role models or support. Alternatively, if someone believes that people with disabilities cannot feel pleasure during sex, they may deny or avoid sexual desires or needs for fear of shame or judgment.
This article explored how internalized societal biases shape decision-making, relational strategies, and emotional authenticity. The impact of these biases is widespread and often goes unnoticed until addressed explicitly. By recognizing and addressing our internalized biases, individuals can make more informed decisions, form deeper connections, and express their authentic selves freely and fully. Therefore, we must work towards creating societies where everyone feels free to live openly and authentically without fear or prejudice.
How do internalized societal biases shape decision-making, relational strategies, and emotional authenticity?
Decision-making is an essential cognitive process that shapes our everyday life. It involves choosing from different alternatives based on various factors such as social norms, cultural beliefs, personal values, and emotions. Internalized societal biases play a crucial role in influencing these factors and ultimately shaping our decision-making patterns.