PREFERRED RESPONSES TO SITUATIONS OF HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

Two studies were conducted to assess behavioral preferences in respons e to situations of discrimination in the workplace and in housing. In the first study, 72 black Canadians read a scenario in which they were ultimately denied an apartment on the basis of their color. The degre e of evidence of discrimination in the scenario had an effect on the p reference for some of the behaviors examined. In addition, it was foun d that some of the behaviors (e.g., seeking advice) were clearly prefe rred to others (e.g., organizing a boycott). In the second study, 42 B engali Canadians read a scenario in which they applied for a position for which they had the qualifications. After an interview and notifica tion that the offer was made to a more qualified person, they found ou t that they did not get the position because of their visible minority status. The results indicate that self-directed responses to the situ ation (e.g., working harder) were preferred to a variety of overt acti ons taken within or outside the company. The results are discussed in terms of the process and problems of responding to discrimination.