Addressing psychology's problem with race.

Abstract

The biological concept of race has long been controversial in psychology. Although many psychologists have challenged the concept of race, others have espoused it as a deductive premise and applied it as an inferential and research factor and variable, especially regarding Black-White IQ differences. Although race and its use have been polemically disputed for decades, no disciplinewide, concerted action within psychology has been taken to ascertain the scientific meaning of race and to determine its proper application. Psychology's inaction contrasts with deliberate steps taken by other national and international scientific groups. This article examines a variety of problems concerning race in psychology: (a) definition, (b) application, (c) invoking authority and references for genetic knowledge, and (d) passive inaction by psychologists and professional associations.

Exploring the lives of Asian American men: Racial identity, male role norms, gender role conflict, and prejudicial attitudes.

“…What seems to be evident is the many ways masculinity has been conceptualized and the problematics around thinking about masculinity as a singular construct. The same can be said about race and the way race has been studied in psychology (Yee et al, 1993).…”

Views on interracial dating among Chinese and European Canadians: The roles of culture, gender, and mainstream cultural identity

“…We use the term ÒinterracialÓ to refer to intimate relationships between individuals from different cultures. Although there is no evidence of clear biological distinctions between ÒracialÓ groups (e.g., Yee, Fairchild, Weizmann, & Wyatt, 1993), people still identify themselves and others by ÒraceÓ and/or color. Moreover, prior research comparing groups of east Asian and of west European origin has typically employed the term ÔinterracialÕ in describing the relationship between the members of these two groups (e.g., Mok, 1999;Sung, 1990).…”

Intersections of race, ethnicity, and the law.

“…Furthermore, the variable of race itself must be carefully defined and operationalized, avoiding the problems identified by Graham (1992) and Yee et al (1993). Many of the special issue articles compare Black and White subjects.…”