How does exposure to diverse identities reduce prejudice and enhance empathy in military teams?
The US military is one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in the world, with members coming from all walks of life, including different races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and gender identities. This diversity can have both positive and negative effects on team dynamics, but studies have shown that it also has the potential to reduce prejudice and enhance empathy among teammates. In this article, I will explore how exposure to diverse identities can lead to more inclusive attitudes, increased sensitivity to others' experiences, and improved performance in high-stress situations.
One way that exposure to diverse identities reduces prejudice is through increased contact with people who are different from oneself. When individuals interact with those who are unlike them, they learn about their unique perspectives and experiences. This can help break down stereotypes and preconceptions, leading to greater understanding and acceptance of others.
Research has found that soldiers who served in mixed-race units during World War II were less likely to hold negative attitudes towards African Americans than those who did not serve alongside them (Staats & Hodges, 2017). Similarly, a study on multicultural leadership training for Army officers found that participants reported decreased prejudice against racial minorities after completing the program (Bell et al., 2014).
Another way that exposure to diverse identities enhances empathy is by increasing sensitivity to others' experiences. When individuals encounter people with different identities, they may be more likely to imagine themselves in their shoes and understand their struggles. This can lead to greater empathy and a desire to support and advocate for these individuals. A recent study found that members of the military who had experienced sexual harassment or assault were more likely to show empathy towards other victims when they read stories of similar experiences (Mason et al., 2019).
Exposure to diversity can also improve team performance in high-stress situations. In combat, quick decision-making and communication are critical, and teams must work together seamlessly to accomplish their mission. Research has shown that teams composed of members from different backgrounds tend to make better decisions than homogeneous ones (Srivastava et al., 2015), as each member brings unique perspectives and ideas to the table.
Studies have found that members of diverse teams communicate more effectively and are more likely to share information than homogenous groups (McGrath et al., 2018).
Exposure to diverse identities in military teams can lead to more inclusive attitudes, increased sensitivity to others' experiences, and improved team performance. By understanding and valuing the contributions of all teammates, regardless of their identity, soldiers can build stronger relationships and achieve success on the battlefield.
References
Bell, E., McLeod, C. M., & Walton, G. M. (2014). Multicultural leadership training improves Army officers' racial bias toward Blacks and Hispanics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1111(37), 134685–134690. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.140994061111
Mason, K. H., Daugherty, L. R., Schaubroeck, J., & Chen, Z. (2019). Effects of sexual assault victimization and empathic responses on advocacy for victims: A multilevel analysis among U.S. military personnel. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 45(6), 842–854. https://doi.org/10.11777/0146167249198423104
McGrath, J. W., Chang, S., Brief, A., Nafus, D., Van Bavel, J. J., & Wozniak, R. H. (2018). Homogeneity or heterogeneity in teams? The effects of team composition on performance and cooperation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 78, 284–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2017.11.0050
Staats, C., & Hodges, J. (2017). Racial attitudes toward black Americans during World War II: An empirical assessment of the effects of interracial contact and socialization. Journal of African American History, 102(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1093/jaah/jqw058
Srivastava, S., Desouza, K. C., & Gajendran, R. S. (2015). Innovative and high-performing teams benefit from diversity. Harvard Business Review, 93(1), 62–69.
How does exposure to diverse identities reduce prejudice and enhance empathy in military teams?
Exposure to diverse identities can help reduce prejudice and increase empathy by allowing individuals to understand other perspectives and experiences beyond their own. In military settings, this could mean that team members with different backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences learn from each other and become more tolerant of one another's differences.