top of page
Toxic White Identity Symposium

TOXIC WHITE IDENTITY SYMPOSIUM

Toxic White Identity Definition

An extreme manifestation of White identity characterized by race-based entitlement, a heightened sense of superiority over other racial/ethnic groups, and a belief that members of other racial/ethnic groups have a negative impact on White culture and society.

Reyna, Zarate, & Armenta

THE GOOD OL' DAYS: WHITE IDENTITY, GROUP-BASED NOSTALGIA AND THE PERPETUATION OF RACIAL EXTREMISM

Creating narratives about a group’s idyllic past (nostalgia) can be used to justify antipathy towards outgroups and outgroup policies. In two studies, we found that national nostalgia (Study 1) and racial nostalgia (Study 2) predict anti-immigrant attitudes and support for xenophobic policies (Studies 1 & 2), and mediates the link between White identity and White nationalist ideologies (Study 2).

Harris, Kannout, & Steiger

THE ROLE OF (RACIAL) ENTITLEMENT IN INTERGROUP HOSTILITY AND WHITE NATIONALISM

Feelings of entitlement can be toxic. Entitlement’s effects on dehumanization, White nationalism, and negative racial attitudes were examined among two samples of White Americans. Findings indicate that higher levels of entitlement predicted dehumanizing minority groups (Study 1), and higher racial entitlement predicted support for racist policies and White nationalist ideologies (Study 2).

Get in Touch

Bellovary & Reyna

AMBIVALENCE IS BLISS: HIGHLY IDENTIFIED WHITES’ AMBIVALENCE TO AMERICAN SYSTEMS AS A FUNCTION OF TOXIC WHITE IDENTITY

The current analysis explored White identity’s impact on perceptions of American systems. Results indicated that highly identified Whites hold ambivalent beliefs about American systems, both justifying and condemning these systems. These beliefs may, in part, be driven by toxic versus non-toxic forms of white identity.

Get in Touch
The Talks

Reyna, Zarate, & Armenta

THE GOOD OL' DAYS: WHITE IDENTITY, GROUP-BASED NOSTALGIA AND THE PERPETUATION OF RACIAL EXTREMISM

Creating narratives about a group’s idyllic past (nostalgia) can be used to justify antipathy towards outgroups and outgroup policies. In two studies, we found that national nostalgia (Study 1) and racial nostalgia (Study 2) predict anti-immigrant attitudes and support for xenophobic policies (Studies 1 & 2), and mediates the link between White identity and White nationalist ideologies (Study 2).

Harris, Kannout, & Steiger

THE ROLE OF (RACIAL) ENTITLEMENT IN INTERGROUP HOSTILITY AND WHITE NATIONALISM

Feelings of entitlement can be toxic. Entitlement’s effects on dehumanization, White nationalism, and negative racial attitudes were examined among two samples of White Americans. Findings indicate that higher levels of entitlement predicted dehumanizing minority groups (Study 1), and higher racial entitlement predicted support for racist policies and White nationalist ideologies (Study 2).

Bellovary & Reyna

AMBIVALENCE IS BLISS: HIGHLY IDENTIFIED WHITES’ AMBIVALENCE TO AMERICAN SYSTEMS AS A FUNCTION OF TOXIC WHITE IDENTITY

The current analysis explored White identity’s impact on perceptions of American systems. Results indicated that highly identified Whites hold ambivalent beliefs about American systems, both justifying and condemning these systems. These beliefs may, in part, be driven by toxic versus non-toxic forms of white identity.

Davis & Benson

WHEN EQUALITY FEELS LIKE OPPRESSION: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WHITE
IDENTITY AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Data from two nationally representative samples indicate white identity predicts endorsement of political violence and decreased support of democratic norms. The effect size patterns increased from 2016 to 2018 and are mediated by perceived increased income equality. Findings suggest that highly identified whites will support actions and policies that lead to violence and the erosion of democracy.

bottom of page