Reviewing Racial Microaggressions Research: Documenting Targets’ Experiences, Harmful Sequelae, and Resistance Strategies

Abstract

In this article, we review the theoretical and empirical literature on racial microaggressions from 2007 to 2020 ( N = 138 articles). First, we refine racial microaggressions theory and update the definition to address mischaracterizations in the literature and clarify the term (i.e., “micro” refers to microlevel interactions rather than degree of harm). Next, we used four superordinate categories (i.e., pathologizing differences, denigrating and pigeonholing, excluding or rendering invisible, and perpetuating color-blind racial attitudes) in which to situate racial microaggression themes from the extant literature. Moreover, we consolidated and renamed existing themes to privilege targets’ perspectives (e.g., facing assumptions of inferior status and enduring exoticization). We then synthesized qualitative and quantitative research that shows harmful sequelae of racial microaggressions (i.e., psychological and physiological symptoms). Extending prior research on coping with gendered racial microaggressions, we describe empirical findings on collective, resistance, and self-protective strategies to mitigate the harmful impact of racial microaggressions. We conclude with directions for future research.

Microaggressions: Mega problems or micro issues? A meta‐analysis

“…Although important, the scope of these prior reviews is limited, given that there are a variety of important outcomes across contexts that are impacted by these behaviors (Spanierman et al, 2021;Williams, 2021). Thus, the current study contributes to this literature by examining a broader array of outcomes across previously unexplored domains, such as organizations.…”

White Families' Communications About and Around Race: Conversations Between white Adolescents and Their Mothers

“…The large and burgeoning scholarly literature on racial socialization (RS) has primarily focused on families of color, especially Black families, and, in particular, on how they prepare their children to survive and thrive in contexts characterized by structural racism (Hughes et al., 2006; Umaña‐Taylor & Hill, 2020). Although the number of studies of RS in white families has been expanding (e.g., Abaied & Perry, 2021; Hagerman, 2014), accompanied by calls to examine how white parents can cultivate antiracism in their children (Spanierman et al., 2021), an understanding of RS in white families is relatively nascent among researchers and practitioners alike. The current social context is a staunch reminder of the need to understand more about how white children's experiences lead them to participate in or resist social dynamics that uphold structural racism and racial inequity (Karras et al., 2021).…”

Racial Microaggressions: Critical Questions, State of the Science, and New Directions

“…Bridging taxonomies and the harmful consequences of microaggressions, Spanierman and colleagues (2021; this issue) review the theoretical and empirical literature on racial microaggressions from the past 13 years ( N = 138 empirical articles) to refine racial microaggressions theory and update the definition to address mischaracterizations in the literature. Rather than defining new categories, they distill microaggressions down to four major categories: pathologizing differences, denigrating and pigeonholing, excluding or rendering invisible, and perpetuating color-blind racial attitudes.…”

“…And how do we best intervene to help those harmed by the incessant barrage of these covert assaults? Several authors in this issue offer insight into mitigating harm (e.g., Spanierman et al, 2021; Steketee et al, 2021). Although we value these expert perspectives, approaches remain largely untested.…”