Rn. Lalonde et al., PREFERRED RESPONSES TO SITUATIONS OF HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION, Journal of applied social psychology, 25(12), 1995, pp. 1105-1119
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.