University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 psychology Associate Professor Kristin Pauker’s research on racial bias and ethnic identity was featured in the Sunday New York Times opinion section, “.”
The column explores diversity in Hawaiʻi—both past and present—and the unique perceptions local people have in comparison to mainland counterparts about race and ethnicity based on geographic location, social interactions and culturally-shaped theories.
“The broader hope is to understand the factors that influence prejudice development and intergroup conflict in order to disrupt them. If we can understand these factors, we can create interventions to make intergroup interactions more positive and harness change, both in school and work environments,” said Pauker.
She added, “Hawaiʻi isn’t perfect when it comes to race relations and inequities still exist, but our context is different giving us a deeper understanding of how context, including an appreciation for the diverse culture and the environment we live in, can shape how we think about race and ethnicity.”
Jonathan Y. Okamura and Davianna 笔ō尘补颈办补ʻ颈 McGregor, professors of ethnic studies at 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补, are quoted in the article. 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work professor Rebecca Stotzer’s recent research on is also referenced in the article.
Pauker is making significant contributions to developmental and social psychology in the areas of intergroup relations, racial bias, interracial anxiety and essentialist beliefs. Using cutting-edge methodology, she runs the , with research particularly focused on the timely and important topic of racial prejudice. She joined 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 in 2011.
Pauker’s current research includes a National Science Foundation funded project comparing gender and race biases among 4–6-year-olds in five states: California, Washington, North Carolina, Connecticut and Hawaiʻi. By harnessing natural variation in exposure to diversity in different geographic locations of the U.S. among children from different backgrounds, this collaborative project will lead to a better understanding of how young children form gender and race biases.