Double Consciousness and Racial Status Beliefs

Abstract

Double consciousness arises from a conflict between the negative appraisals of others and one’s own positive self-appraisal. In this study, we link double consciousness with racialized status beliefs, or beliefs about the competency and worth of group members. Using first-order and generalized second-order evaluations of explicit status beliefs, we examine the consistency between how individuals view their own racial group and how they perceive their group to be viewed by others. Drawing on survey data, we find high agreement in generalized second-order status beliefs among racial groups but misalignment between these evaluations and first-order status beliefs for marginalized groups. Black and Hispanic respondents exhibit double consciousness by rating their racial group as higher status than they understand most people to rate their group. The widespread existence of double consciousness in status beliefs has troubling implications for the development of racial identity among people of color and for equity.