About
PATHWAY
Understanding and Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Implicit Bias Based on Perceived Social Identities in American Law and Government
We have entered an age that is focused heavily on diversity and equity, especially in the workplace. Although policies such as non-discrimination practices have aided in the development of minority representation in the workforce and in higher education, stereotypes and biases remain that hinder equitable access to all available resources. Although these misperceptions harm people in many social spheres, I am particularly interested in understanding the adverse effect that implicit bias has had against persons pursuing careers and/or agendas in law and government. I am curious to understand how social identities of political leaders have shaped public opinion, how the identity of political candidates has helped or hindered their prospects in elections, and how specific people and/or cases have motivated or stalled legal action. This all leads to addressing the question of if our legal and political systems are inherently biased and to what extent they disadvantage or advantage certain populations. I am looking to use this knowledge as a catalyst for my own involvement in the legal profession and as an inspiration to remain cognizant of the persisting social structure and hierarchies in a sector of American culture designed to be unbiased.
