The Effects of Perceived Phenotypic Racial Stereotypicality and Social Identity Threat on Racial Minorities’ Attitudes About Police

Problem

Problem Address: 

The study examines how racial minorities' self-perceived phenotypic racial stereotypicality and experiences of race-based social identity threat affect their trust in and willingness to cooperate with police.

Impact on System/Public: 

Distrust of police among racial minorities undermines law enforcement effectiveness, reduces community cooperation, and perpetuates systemic disparities in policing outcomes. The study provides insights into psychological factors that contribute to this distrust.

Research Questions:

1. Does self-perceived phenotypic racial stereotypicality affect racial minorities’ experiences of race-based social identity threat during interactions with police?
2. How do social identity threats impact trust in police and subsequent willingness to cooperate?
3. Are these effects unique to racial minorities, and do they differ from White respondents?
    

Method and Analysis

Program Evaluated/Gaps Addressed: 

This research fills gaps in understanding within-group variations in police-related attitudes among racial minorities and their relationship to perceived phenotypic racial stereotypicality.
 

Data and Sample Size: 

• Surveys from a representative sample of 1,200 Portland, Oregon, residents, including 168 racial minorities (Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans, and multiracial individuals) and 921 Whites for comparison.
• Measures included self-reported phenotypic racial stereotypicality, social identity threat, trust in police, and willingness to cooperate.
   

Analysis Used:

• Serial multiple mediation models tested the indirect effects of phenotypic racial stereotypicality on cooperation with police, mediated by identity threat and trust.
• Regression analysis and bootstrapping were conducted to validate findings.
   

Outcome

Key Findings:

• Racial minorities with higher self-perceived phenotypic racial stereotypicality reported greater race-based social identity threat.
• Higher social identity threat was associated with lower trust in police, which led to decreased willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
• This pattern was not observed in White respondents, affirming the uniqueness of the racial minority experience in this context.
   

Implications or Recommendations: 

• Interventions: Implement community policing and officer training focused on procedural justice and mitigating social identity threats during interactions.
• Policy Recommendations: Increase diversity in law enforcement and foster citizen involvement in police oversight to build trust.
• Future Research: Explore these dynamics across diverse contexts and groups while employing longitudinal or experimental methods for causal clarity.

This study highlights the need for systemic changes to address the psychological and social barriers to trust in law enforcement among racial minorities.